top of page

Art Explorers

Art Explorers is a new, independently organized AUW subgroup launching in 2026 for those interested in exploring visual art, museums, and galleries together in community. Like the AUW, Art Explorers welcomes all who identify as women, gender-fluid, or non-binary.

 

Beginning in 2026, the group will host quarterly local outings, with the possibility of expanding as the group grows. Joining the group is free, and we aim to keep outings free or low-cost whenever possible. Our focus is on experiencing and uplifting the work of women, gender-fluid, and non-binary artists, while building connection through shared exploration.

Art Explorers is organized by Bette DeMars, Alison Kemlitz, and Sara McMullen. Click the link below to e-mail Bette (jbdemars2[at]gmail.com) and join our group as well as our mailing list for events!

Do you have a great idea for an exhibition or outing? Do you have a question?

Click below to message us! We want to hear from you. 

Our First Event:
An Afternoon with Martha Bird

We are thrilled to announce our first event!

​

Saturday February 21, 2026

University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

Artist Talk with Martha Bird, and an exploration of her show Fiber, Fragment and Form

in conjunction with the Arboretum's Spring Flower Show. 

Join our newsletter above for all the details of the event. 

Martha Bird is a Twin Cities–based studio artist (and a member of our very own AUW!) She specializes in traditional and sculptural basketry. Working primarily with willow (Salix), which she cultivates in multiple color varieties, Martha's work explores the relationship between the ephemeral and the enduring.

​Event Schedule: 

​

  • 12:45 pm – Gather in the Oswald Visitor Center main lobby

  • 1:00 pm – Artist talk in the Snyder Auditorium: Cultivating Willow: Building Community through the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

  • 1:45 pm – Q&A with Martha Bird

  • 2:00–4:00 pm – Explore the exhibition together

​

Contact jbdemars2[at]gmail.com with questions. 

mb_5643 copy_edited.jpg

To Attend: 

​

1) RSVP to jbdemars2[at]gmail.com

2) Purchase a timed-entry ticket for February 21 at 12:30 pm from the landscape arboretum website -or- request to be paired with a member who can bring you as a guest at entry. 

3) Even members who get free entry still need a free timed-entry access ticket. 

Fiber, Fragment and Form features sculptural willow and rattan vessels that explore themes of containment, protection, cultural heritage, and place. Several works incorporate willow grown at the Arboretum, deepening the exhibition’s connection to site and season.

​

More of Martha's works will be featured in the Andersen Horticultural Library, including Japanese-inspired basketry accompanied by ikebana-style weekly floral arrangements created in collaboration with local artists.

​

We are excited to experience her sculptural basketry in conjunction with the arboretum's botanical pairings as part of the Spring Flower Show. 

Admission & RSVP

 

Arboretum admission is free for members. For non-members it is $25 at the gate, or $20 if purchased online in advance.

 

Tickets are required for entry. 
Art Explorers does not provide your ticket, but we can help pair you with someone with an arboretum membership. 

​

Please RSVP using the RSVP Button to the left. When you do, please include the answers to the following: 

​

  • Are you a Minnesota Landscape Arboretum member? (Yes/No)

  • If yes, does your membership allow guests? (Yes/No) How many?

  • Do you need a ride? (Yes/No)

  • Can you drive a carpool? (Yes/No)

Can't join 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 16, 2026. Meet the artist opening night from 5-7 pm.

bottom of page