living wall xii

nitschmann middle school may 2023

In May of 2023 8th grade art students and one 7th grade class participated in my Fiber Living Program. Students learned the art of wet felting over the course of 5 sessions. The learned how to work with wool to create the three dimensional forms of flowers and mushrooms made entirely of felted wool. They gained hands on experience with a brand new and tactile art form. They learned about the sustainability and versatility of wool as a fiber and about its history in ancient human civilization. At the end of the program, the students were able to take of their sculptures home with them as a reminder of the project and their personal contribution to it while leaving their other piece behind to be added to Fiber Living Wall.

This particular fiber living wall is arranged on a felted tree stump, radiating new growth, a symbol of the power of the natural world and the cohesive interconnected systems comprise it and our beautiful planet. This piece hangs permanently at the school and serves as a reminder of not only the beauty of the natural world but also the beauty of what can be achieved when we work together as a community toward a common goal.

The unveiling event for this sculpture at the school in October was where I received a certificate of Congressional Recognition from the office of Congresswoman Susan Wild, an award I was absolutely honored to receive.

A huge thank you to the wonderful art teachers at Nitchsmann Middle School, Rachael Krause-Braker and Kathleen Lund

Click Here to view the unveiling ceremony