Join Lanesboro Arts in welcoming willow sculptor and mental health advocate, Martha Bird as the Lanesboro Arts artist in residence at a welcome potluck event on the St. Mane Theatre stage on Tuesday, August 16th, from 6-8pm. Bird will introduce herself and her work, and share in a community potluck meal.

During her residency, which will run from August 15th to September 12th, Bird will create and install a temporary outdoor sculpture made from fresh willow. Grounded in the potentiality for basketry to serve as a source for physical, mental, and communal healing, Bird intends to engage with the mental health of individuals and communities through art and art-based interactions.

About Martha Bird

Educated as a Public Health and Board Certified Holistic RN, Martha’s vision is to “use my own art and process to integrate community involvement and utilize my knowledge to empower people to follow their passion and include it in their life, so they can be as well and healthy as possible.” Martha uses basketry techniques as a starting point to create expansive conceptual sculpture that both carry forward the traditional craft and challenge its utilitarian assumptions.  Her work draws from her own professional expertise and life experiences to explore the human body, manifestations of trauma, and concepts of resilience, energy and growth. Martha has brought her meditative practice and depth of knowledge to lecture audiences across the United States, and her work has been featured in art exhibitions and collections across Minnesota and throughout the country.

Click here to learn more about Martha Bird and her residency

The Lanesboro Artist Residency Program is supported by the Jerome Foundation.