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Art Explorers

Art Explorers is a group to explore museums and galleries together in community.

We welcome all who identify as women, gender-fluid, or non-binary.

 

New in 2026, we are coordinating quarterly local outings. Join our mailing list! It's free!​

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email Bette: jbdemars2[at]gmail.com

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We aim to keep outings as low-cost as possible.

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Art Explorers is organized by Bette DeMars, Alison Kemlitz, and Sara McMullen.

Our First Event:
An Afternoon with Martha Bird

We are thrilled to announce our first event!

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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. 

 

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: 

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  • 12:30 pm – Gather in the Oswald Visitor Center main lobby

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

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  • 1:45 pm – Q&A with Martha Bird

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

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To Attend: 

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1) RSVP to Bette, jbdemars2[at]gmail.com and let us know:

  • Do you need a ride? (Yes/No)

  • Can you drive a carpool? (Yes/No)

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2) Bette will share instructions and a discount code for FREE entry to the arboretum for Martha's talk! Thank you Martha for coordinating this with the Arb! 

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4) Got your admission ticket? Great! See you there! Having trouble? Reach out to Bette at:  jbdemars2[at]gmail.com

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.​

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

Admission Notes:

 

Tickets are required for entry to the arboretum. You must show your ticket to the staff at the gate when you drive in. 

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Martha Bird has arranged for free entry for attendees of this talk! We will give you instructions when you RSVP.

 

If you don't arrange your free ticket in advance, you will be charged $25 at the gate per person. You will only granted entry if the arboretum is not at capacity. Due to the popularity of the Spring Flower Show, it is VERY POSSIBLE they will be full. Please get your free ticket early! Follow the instructions to the left. 

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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 15, 2026. Meet the artist opening night from 5-7 pm.

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