Nuno Felted Forest by Riley Elementary

Just half an hour ago I finished installing the five nuno felted silk and wool trees created by Riley Elementary 3rd and 4th graders. This 4 week Artists in Schools/Communities residency project flew by and has been one of the most fun things I've done to date. Each of five classes took the time to lay out their wool in tree-ring-like designs, carefully apply soap and water, and roll and roll and roll to felt the wool through the silk. I am incredibly proud of what they've accomplished, and hope they feel lucky to have been introduced to fiber art so early on! The installation will be a permanent display in the school's media center.

I was incredibly lucky to work with Riley Art Teacher Jessica Northup and Lincoln Arts Council's Mollie Magnuson, who got funding for us to do this project through the Nebraska Arts Council. I'm positive this project was made so much fun because of working with these two, and I hope we can do it again somehow. I just love when everyone involved has the right combination of being easy going while hard working and fun spirited. Why wouldn't you want art to be fun?

Below is a small snapshot of one of my favorite areas of texture. You'll have to come to the public reception this Friday, from 4-6 pm at Riley to see all five trees in person! I hope to have some process images to post in the near future, so stay tuned!