An Artist's Update

“Even if I don’t see it again—nor ever feel it 

I know it is—and that if once it hailed me 

it ever does— ”

--Marie Howe, excerpt from Annunciation

Last photo of beloved service dog R.I.P.

(d. 2/12/24) 11 years old

A Warm Welcome to my friends and supporters

IN THIS ISSUE

STUDIO GRAND OPENING/ST PAUL ART CRAWL

GROUP EXHIBITS (2)

PRESS (2)

RECAP

WHAT'S NEXT

Happy Spring Friends,

I have to chuckle, but not really, when reading this sentence from the opening of my last newsletter: "I’m feeling reflective of the past year and looking forward to the coming year to see what that will bring." A brief summary so far in 2024: my service dog died very unexpectedly and suddenly in my arms and yet I was so grateful for my 9 years with him and the help available at the time of his death, I fell 2 weeks later and sustained a closed head injury (working hard on my recovery), a med (now discontinued) side effect has reeked havoc in my body, I'm excited to be welcoming the public into my new studio space, AND I am heading to New York City to attend the opening for one of my pieces on display. A whirlwind I'd say!!

What's your whirlwind been like?

Martha  

Martha Bird's Studio Grand Opening

@ the St. Paul Art Crawl

Friday April 12, 2024

(Art Crawl 4/12 - 4/14)

You are cordially invited to join me for my Studio Grand Opening

during the St. Paul Art Crawl.

Drop in to say hello, stay to listen to the live music lineup, have some food/drink and visit with over 50 artists in the building.

Location: 106 Water St. W., St. Paul, MN

(old red brick building on Harriet Island), free parking

Friday in studio 308B; Sat/Sun: in the 3rd floor lounge (demoing how I process willow)

Everyone is Welcome!

Group Exhibition in New York City

Constellation: Women's Invitational Small Works Show

April 4 - May 31, 2024

What a privilege to receive an invitation to exhibit alongside 48 other women artists from around the world.  All the artists are working across metal, fiber arts, photography, drawing, painting, ceramics, printmaking, mixed media and video to create a constellation of beliefs, attitudes and values as visualized by a range of established and emerging women artists from across the country and abroad.

Small artworks exhibition provides a personal experience unmatched by bigger pieces and invites a different kind of interaction; demanding close scrutiny and fostering an intimate viewing experience. Small artworks challenge perception and provide entry into thinking about bigger subjects through the reward of a bantam detail or illuminating a larger understanding.

“Small Things Start Us in New Ways of Thinking” - V.S. Naipaul

A big thank you to Curator Ingrid Butterer--be sure to look up her amazing work.

Location: SLA Art Space, 307 W 30th St, New York, NY (Manhattan)

Opening Reception: April 4, 5-9 pm (I'll be there)

Group Exhibition

What Fierce Looks Like:

Artists of the Women's Art Institute

April 11 - May 18, 2024

As a participant in the 2018 WAI at St. Kate's in St. Paul, I was immersed in a huge solo space that could contain my materials and creative intention. In this month long studio intensive, I was challenged, encouraged and nurtured into my next steps as an artist.

I am honored to have one of my sculptures exhibit alongside 37 other fabulous works on display--selected from the 127 submissions. From 1999 to 2021, the Women's Art Institute Summer Studio Intensive course attracted contemporary women artists of all ages and backgrounds interested in refining their artistic practice and exploring questions around women and art. Founded by Elizabeth Erickson at Minneapolis College of Art and Design, the program moved to St. Catherine University in 2012 under the direction of Patricia Olson. This exhibition features current work by 37 of the more than 400 alumnae of the Institute. Curated by Patricia Olson and Chris Cinque.

Exhibiting Artists: Amy Usdin, Betsy Dollar, Bonnie Ploger, Bre Atkinson, Brenda Olson, Carissa Samaniego, Christy Dickinson, Claudia Poser, Colleen TwoFeathers, Cory Favre, Cyndi Kaye Meier, Emily C.K. Hoisington, Gail Diez, Hend Al-Mansour, Jean Wright, Jo-Anne Reske Kirkman, Josie Winship, Karen Wilcox, Kathy Daniels, Kristi Kuder, Kristin Maija Peterson, Kristina Fjellman, Lin Lacy, Lynnette K. Black, Maria Korol, Marjorie Fedyszyn, Martha Bird, Mary Alterman, Nancy Ariza, Nina Martine Robinson, Pat Owen, Rajee Aryal, Rebecca Oehler, Sandy Gillespie, Shari Albers, Susan Armington, Susan Gangsei.

See the Art:

Opening Reception Saturday, April 13, 3:00 - 5:00 pm  (I'll be there!!)

North Loop Art Walk Saturday, May 11, 6:00 - 9:00 pm

Gallery Hours Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 12 noon - 6:00 pm and by appointment

Location: Form + Content Gallery in the Whitney Square Building

210 North Second Street, Suite 104

Minneapolis MN 55401

(One block north of Washington Avenue and two blocks west of Hennepin Avenue. Metered parking is available on the street and in neighborhood ramps.)

More Information formandcontent@gmail.com; 612.436.1151; www.formandcontent.org

Press

CanvasRebel Magazine: Feature Artist

"Meet Martha Bird"

Check out this interview-style article (with pictures) where I'm talking about my artistic practice. Who knows, you might learn something new about me. And then....read more articles about other artists! The magazine's mission is to create a space for artists, creatives and entrepreneurs to be able to learn from their peers through the magic and power of storytelling. 

Press

Contemporary Basketry Blog

Theme: Mixed Materials

One of my early far-reaching goals when I started in sculptural basketry was to have my work be discoverable in order to be a repeat artist featured on Carol Eckert's amazing blog. She posts DAILY (yes, daily...over many years...I can't imagine the commitment!). Grouping the photos by perceived theme, she highlights artists from around the world. This month a 2nd sculpture of mine was shared on this platform--qualifying me in my own mind as "discoverable" and "repeat." Thank you Carol!!

Recap

Collaborative Basket Donation

February 2, 2024 Vail Place, Minneapolis

Remember those baskets Vail Place members made together in 2022 for a grant project of mine? Well it was time to formally donate the collection to them. It was such a feel good time both then when we made them and now when we gifted them!

What's next? 

Weaving for Wellbeing

MRAC Arts Impact for Individuals grant project

I am so pleased to share that I received a 2024 MRAC Arts Impact for Individuals grant award of $5000 in order to bring arts access to underserved Minnesotans. This year's project will continue providing basketry instruction at Vail Place, a recovery Clubhouse model for people living with serious and persistent mental illness. I will be honing my teaching skills by working with smaller groups (3 people at a time), showing participants how to create their own basket design (from planning, measuring to creating). These baskets will be donated to the clubhouse to be used in their work-order-day. And of course, we'll have a culminating Celebration Reception.

Thank you for sharing in my life!