family farm bed
In September 2024 I was selected by the ArtServancy Residency sponsored by Gallery 224 in Port Washington and five partnerships with the Ozaukee Washington Land Trust, the River Revitalization Foundation, the Lake Michigan Bird Observatory, Tall Pines Conservancy and the Milwaukee Area Land Conservancy. Artist Residents create a body of artwork inspired by the property, culminating in a month-long exhibition at Gallery 224. Programming is offered throughout their residency year, including an ongoing blog featuring the artist on A Wealth of Nature, on-site tours, performances, workshops and demonstrations.
I am partnered with Pearl Forge Conservancy, part of the Tall Pines Conservancy. I am working on a multimedia sculptural piece called The Family Farm Bed. Its a journey, discovering a new place, the farmers and family who steward the land and all the animals, insects, birds and plants I find and document. Below I will add images of the process and information about the events affiliated with The Family Farm Bed, along side musings and notes I make along the way. Join me in the process!
concept drawings for Family Farm Bed
dragon fly
insect panel 6.30
insect panel 7.20
insect quilt panels
first Workshop:
Felting party
Feb 28, 2026 I hosted the Felting Workshop at Brown Dog Farm. I invited 10 women who are creative, environmentally conscious and interested in the creative process and learning . We started with a tour of the flock and meeting the sheep. Over the next 6 hours we created the felted ‘mattress pad’ that will be under the quilt on the bed. We looked at the quilt top in the studio, then proceeded to the basement to the felting tables. We took a break for a beautiful lunch, and time to share and converse. The food was delicious and the chance to gather and talk about our work, our families and our connection to the land, built community and camaraderie I was hoping to create.
Some video of our work day
We were all learning this for the first time and I was so pleased with the energy and willingness of these women to help me make this piece. Each person also wrote a little thought or memory and those will be incorporated into the final piece. It was a good day, and I am so pleased with how the piece turned out.