Behind the Cover Art: February, 2026

When the Valentine’s Dinner Dance from the 2026 February calendar, I needed to develop a new cover design. My original Valentine’s-themed artwork will be used for the future February 2027 issue. A Mardi Gras Happy Hour replaces the Valentine’s Dinner Dance. The missing Valentine’s Dance will be replaced with a “Ticket to Ride” Beatles cover band dance on the 28th of the month.

To reflect these changes, I created a winter scene for the cover, featuring an owl perched on a rustic fence post in a snowy landscape. I adorned the owl with vibrant Mardi Gras beads and a slightly tilted king’s crown, blending the festive spirit of Mardi Gras with the season’s atmosphere. Stand-alone signs in the scene further enhance the celebratory theme, resulting in a memorable and engaging cover that unites winter imagery with Mardi Gras traditions.