In between visiting family in Minnesota, a trip to Europe, and other art/non-art related projects, another summer has whizzed by! However, I was able to give presentations about Foreshadowing at the For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum and the Herrick District Library, as well as participate in an exhibit at Keeler Gallery in Grand Rapids. I was also honored to have had my proposal to speak about how art can foster civic engagement in science and sustainability accepted to the Global Sustainability Conference in Stockholm, though I was unable to attend. And while my attempts to photograph some of the endangered plant species on this summer's "to do" list weren't very successful, I did manage to make a few batches of paper from narrow-leaf cattail that I collected last summer at MSU's Kellogg Biological Station. It's a beautiful, strong paper and I'm anxious to start making some new prints!
On to the experiment - at one of my presentations, someone had asked if the paper I make from invasive plant species would take root if planted, so I decided to put it to the test. I planted pieces of phragmites, reed canarygrass, and garlic mustard paper and after two months of keeping the soil moist and setting them in the sun......nothing grew. The paper pieces had simply turned to mush. If anyone has suggestions for another method or experiment, I'm all ears.
Over the next few weeks I'll be participating in the following events. If you're in that neck of the woods, drop by and say hello!
Sept. 18 - Presentation to the Huron Valley Botanical Club, 7:30 p.m. at Matthaei Botanical Gardens in Ann Arbor
Oct. 9 -
Dessert with Discussion, 7 - 9 p.m., at Kellogg Biological Station in Hickory Corners
Oct. 21 & 22 - Arts & Eats Tour at the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary in Augusta - details below
