Partner: Matthaei Botanical Gardens, University of Michigan
Date: 2020-2021
At the University of Michigan Campus Farm, I conceptualized, designed, and coordinated the fabrication of five sculptural archways that mark the entrance to the farm and invite visitors to engage with its landscape and mission. Inspired by the Indigenous histories of the land and the “ribbon farms” of early French settlement along the Detroit River, the arches are constructed from Corten steel and topped with garden tools donated by community members—symbols of collective care and stewardship. Left to weather naturally, the rusting steel develops a rich patina that grounds the pieces in their surroundings and reflects the passage of time. These durable, stately forms frame a pathway connecting the bike trail to the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and guide visitors into the farm’s edible perennial plantings.
Complementary to my professional work, I pursue artistic practices that deepen my connection to place. I love sketching in new landscapes as a way to see and understand them more fully. I also have skills in graphic design and enjoy creating maps, infographics, and other visual deliverables. My creative interests extend to murals, mosaics, quilts and time-lapse video—mediums that allow me to explore color, texture, and movement in both built and natural environments.