Art Explorers Archive:
Our First Event - 
An Afternoon with Martha Bird

On a cold winter day nothing could have been more enjoyable than joining AUW friends in a building filled with fragrant flowers. That’s what happened February 21, 2026 for the first AUW Art Explorers event featuring Martha Bird‘s exhibit Fiber, Fragment and Form at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Over twenty members of this newly formed group had the pleasure of walking throughout Arboretum buildings to see a wide variety of Martha’s willow pieces so artistically displayed hanging from the ceiling and among the wide variety of flowers and arrangements.

​

A highlight for the afternoon was Martha’s presentation Cultivating Willow: Building Community at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. The auditorium was filled with those interested in her work, including previous Arboretum director Peter Moe, son of long-time AUW member Carolyn Moe. Martha expressed her appreciation for everyone at the Arboretum who made it possible for her willow pieces to be included in their Spring Flower Show. She told about her thrilling experience working with the Patrick Dougherty (famous for his outdoor willow sculptures) as he developed huge willow structures on the Arboretum grounds. She also explained her process for harvesting, drying and soaking willow and told about places she traveled to learn various techniques working with willow. Martha demonstrated her ability to connect with others throughout her presentation and as she so effectively answered questions from the audience.  It was a delightful day experiencing Martha’s willow art along with other Art Explorers.

​

We look forward to providing additional AUW Art Explorer’s opportunities.  If you’re interested in learning about future Art Explorer events, contact Bette DeMars jbdemars2@gmail.com

Alison Kemlitz, Sara McMullen and Bette DeMars

Martha Bird is a Twin Cities–based studio artist (and a member of our very own AUW!). She specializes in traditional and sculptural basketry. She works primarily with willow (Salix), which she cultivates in multiple color varieties.

​

Fiber, Fragment and Form featured sculptural willow and rattan vessels. Several works incorporated willow grown at the Arboretum, deepening the exhibition’s connection to site.​

​

Her sculptural basketry was paired with the arboretum's Spring Flower Show

and ikebana arrangements by local artists.  

​

See the video above for photos from our experience!

Missed us February 21? Martha's work will be on display at the Arboretum in the Oswald Visitor's Center and the Andersen Horticultural Library from January 30, 2026 - March 15, 2026.