Artist Martha Bird will talk about growing the willow (Salix) plant to create sculptural basketry and build community. She will share her process for planting, growing, and harvesting chromatic varieties of willow, and detail the preparations required to weave willow into art. She’ll also provide photos and reflections highlighting her various artistic partnerships with the Arboretum, focusing on her participation in the YouBetcha build, which was on display from 2019-2023. YouBetcha featured a sculpture of sustainably harvested willow by artist Patrick Dougherty with five towers, a maze and a meandering pathway. Bird’s artist talk will offer the audience the opportunity for a robust Q&A.

Location: Snyder Auditorium