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Northwoods Artist Creating Exhibit Inspired by Women Protecting Water

Living in northern Wisconsin on the Manitowish River, artist Mary Burns has always felt a connection to water.

“It’s just been part of my life since I was born,” said Burns.

Burns wants to use her artwork to shed light on issues facing water today.  

“Our water globally is in crisis and we need to address this issue,” she said.

The fiber artist is currently working on her next series, ‘Women and Water, a Global Exhibit.’

“I wanted to utilize my weaving capabilities to weave portraits of women who are working with water, advocating for it, protecting it, because I feel that women have not been given enough credit for the work that they do,” said Burns.

This artwork is jacquard weaving, which are handwoven pieces that are very detailed and highly technical. The large portraits are about 32 by 42 inches done in sepia and black.

“[I want people to] Focus more on the essence of the women and not be distracted by a lot of color,” said Burns.

The exhibit won’t be completed until next year, but people can get a sneak peek and learn about the women inspired Burns during Wednesday’s Science on Tap presentation.

“I have put together a video that shows some of the women who are in the exhibit and that has been really moving to the people who have seen it so far,” said Burns.

She hopes her talk and her art leaves people inspired to take action to protect water.

The Science on Tap presentation starts at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom or Youtube. Visit the Science on Tap Minocqua website to watch.

Katie Thoresen is WXPR's News Director/Vice President.
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