The Pollinator Garden Fence at IslandWood, by Melinda West As a plant fiber artist inspired by nature, learning the life stories of important native Pacific Northwest pollinators has been one of the most delightful aspects of making this fence, and is one example of how art and science are interwoven. This fence defines a border for ‘a garden … [Read more...]
IslandWood Pollinator Fence
After reinforcing all the connections on the fence framework on one of the rainiest days in December, I've decided to be a fair weather weaver in 2015. So this is a great day to make progress, weaving in the Black bamboo and Western red cedar limbs at the bottom edge of the fence. Weaving begins with cedar splints that my husband, and son … [Read more...]
Lessons of the Cedar Tree
This May as an Artist in Residence at IslandWood, I enjoyed sharing my appreciation of the Western Red Cedar tree with many students from the area. Young people ranging from fourth through sixth grades came from North Beach Elementary, Emerson K-12,The Evergreen School, Emerson Elementary, Adams Elementary, and The Brighton School. During their … [Read more...]
The Suquamish Basket Marsh
It's been over a decade now since the conception and development of the Suquamish Basket Marsh. This outdoor classroom for environmental learning on the grounds of Suquamish Elementary School, in the town of Suquamish Washington, is a product of an ongoing collaboration between the school, teachers, students, parents; volunteers from the … [Read more...]
