Summer in the Woods

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center at Cedar Hill

I have been invited to be the Artist in Residence at the Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center in Cedar Hill for the Entire Summer of 2025. After decades of working in Dallas, I am excited to work in my home community. Many of the ideas and goals that fueled the opening of the Textile Studio inside Oil and Cotton will be at work in this temporary space.

A Summer of Sticks and Stones

I intend to use the three months of residency to accomplish these things:

1. I will focus on embellishing and mounting previously woven projects in preparation for a solo show in August.

2. I will also set up three tapestry looms for observational work. I have been dyeing some yarns with Goldenrod in preparation.

3. I will host weekly Open Studios to connect the art community with the bird-watching, hiking, earth-caring folks. This will include a community weaving project to encourage people to slow down and use their hands.

4. I will be inviting other artists to come explore the space with me, making site specific works that relate to the themes of conservation and natural forms.

5. I will have a few workshops on the calendar, mostly off-loom weaving and hand-spinning.

   

   

Art Supplies in the Wilderness

Dogwood Canyon is a Nature Preserve and foraging is discouraged, so my home garden will continue to be my supply depot. The front and back yard are well supplied with native (or Texas friendly) plants for dyes, fibers, interesting seed pods, sticks and stems.

The Perfect Location

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center, is a Nature Preserve just outside of Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area, in North Texas. It is one of the many trails and outdoor spaces which make Cedar Hill a nature lovers destination. The terrain and slight elevation of Cedar Hill make it a welcome retreat from the flatness of the rest of Dallas County. Dogwood Canyon is just east of Cedar Hill State Park which includes Joe Pool Lake.

Both places are great for hiking, birdwatching and other outdoor recreations. The center staff keep a busy calendar with hikes, bird-watching, yoga and other nature-themed events.

Stay cool

Summers in North Texas can get rather toasty, so, hosting artist and art events makes great sense. Especially since they operate out of a beautiful building with air conditioning!

I hope you can come join in the fun!! I will be publishing a calendar of events soon.