LINN — Linn resident Zackery Mueller doesn’t just create art—he builds entire worlds from it, shaped by faith, personal struggle, and a lifelong belief that imagination can reveal something deeper about what it means to be human.

Mueller’s work is on display at the Osage County Library’s Woodland Art Gallery, where more than a dozen pieces will be shown until May 30.

“Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve always wanted to be a great artist,” said Mueller, a 2016 graduate of Fatima High School who studied under Sonya Walker. “And as I learned how to cope with my autism, I realized it was my gift and not a curse.”

Mueller recognized early that it offered something more than simple expression. He described a childhood shaped by diagnosis at a young age, depression, and difficulty navigating social expectations.

“The people who diagnosed me years ago told my mother and father I would never make it in the world as an independent human being,” he said. “I would never be able to make decisions for myself.”

He said those years included bullying and isolation, and at times, he viewed the world as “a selfish, hateful place,” but over time, his faith reshaped that outlook.

“I just learned how to roll with the punches,” Mueller said. “I learned strength and self-humility.”

Despite those challenges, Mueller said his fascination with mythology, religion, and storytelling began early and never left. “I’ve always been fascinated with worldwide mythology, especially American and Greek,” he said. “And I always thought I could use art to help bring my visions to life, to teach what happened, what actually happened throughout history, what certain symbols mean, and what the true power of imagination is.”

Early Art and Discovery

Mueller’s earliest work began simply.

“The first thing I drew on a canvas was mostly nature and what I could envision, what I felt,” he said. “At first it was just for decoration, for fun, but then I realized it could be something greater.”

As a teenager, his focus shifted.

“I was more interested in comical work — what I can create as an author,” he said. “But I realized I was better at sketching in high school. I could see a picture and draw and shade everything, every detail I saw in front of me.”

That technical ability became the foundation for something larger—a belief that art could communicate ideas about faith, identity, and purpose.

Faith, Philosophy, and Creation

Much of Mueller’s work is rooted in his personal interpretation of spirituality, drawing from Christianity, the Bible, and other traditions.

“I believe everyone is born with a unique talent, as long as they devote their lives to Christ,” he said. “It doesn’t matter what church. I believe that working hard is what pleases our Father.”

Mueller attends both St. George Catholic Church and Linn First Christian Church, describing his faith as both structured and exploratory.

“I personally prefer the Catholic Church because I believe in its discipline; also, I am very fond of its arts and how real I feel, how connected I feel,” he said.

He also studies religious texts and symbolism closely.

“I’ve actually opened up my Bible and taken the time to highlight what’s important for us to share with others,” Mueller said. “I even drew the Wheel of Fortune, and the four main zodiacs — Aquarius, Taurus, Leo, and Scorpio.”

For Mueller, art is not separate from those beliefs—it is the vehicle for them. “I want to use my art to inspire others to understand why we shouldn’t dwell on this world, such as money, the perfect job, the perfect relationship,” he said. “Everything I create with passion exists within my realm.”

The Library Exhibit

Mueller’s work is on display at the Osage County Library until the end of the month. “I’d say there are at least more than 20-something,” he said of his total collection. “I can’t even narrow it down.”

Each piece carries layered meaning—often requiring explanation to fully understand.

“If somebody just looked at that, they wouldn’t understand all that background,” Mueller acknowledged. “You’d have to be there to explain that.”

That realization has led him to consider adding written descriptions alongside his work.

“Oh yes, I could do that,” he said.

Among the most significant pieces are works he describes as representing “the mind and the heart,” along with larger thematic paintings.

“That one right there shows the child of God, who you are outside the 5D matrix,” he said of a piece on display. “What you create is as real as you are.”

Another major work, “Missouri Phoenix,” reflects both history and personal meaning.

“That shows all the great legends that were told here in Missouri, but behind it stands for the love of history,” he said.

A separate piece honors his grandfather, a longtime truck driver.

“My grandfather has been a truck driver for over 50 years,” Mueller said. “He’s always my hero.”

Work, Routine, and Perspective

Outside of art, Mueller has worked for nearly a decade at Linn Thriftway, beginning shortly after graduation following a brief stint at Westphalia Pizza.

The job provides structure, though he said it also limits deeper interaction. “I just ask them how their day is and move on,” he said.

Still, he credits work experience with personal growth.

“I actually pretty much learned a lot more humility after I graduated from high school,” Mueller said.

Isolation, Ambition, and Direction

Mueller said his social circle remains small, shaped by caution and a desire to find like-minded collaborators.

“There aren’t really a lot of people I rely on; people can be so close-minded,” he said.

At the same time, he is open to collaboration, sales, and open to conversion — from art to writing.

His ambitions continue to shift between roles—artist, teacher, storyteller, even farmer—but all remain tied to a central goal. “I wanted to be a teacher, and I want to make a mark in history,” Mueller said.

Expanding Beyond Canvas

In addition to painting, Mueller is developing 3D-printed creations from his apartment studio.

“I have 3D printed toys and sculptures that I want to sell,” he said. “Little dolls, dragon canvases, race cars, and action figures.”

The goal is to build a business centered on creativity and connection.

“I want to make kids feel special and give them something handmade,” Mueller said.

A Personal Mission

At the center of Mueller’s work is a desire to inspire—particularly younger audiences.

“I want to teach kids how to draw and have fun,” he said.

Mueller also hopes to guide others toward purpose and compassion.

“You walk around, you see someone that needs help —help them,” he said. “Life can be so much better.”

Ultimately, he said, his work is about something larger than himself.

“The goal of this project is to bring glory to the Lord and make everyone feel excited to learn and just take the time to stay creative as we work hard,” Mueller said.

And whether or not his broader vision fully materializes, Mueller said the purpose remains clear.

“Whether my work is published in my lifetime, I just want to make kids happy and feel welcome with their differences,” he said.