Fiber, Fragment and Form

Jan. 30-March 15, 2026

This compelling exhibition explores the relationship between the ephemeral and the enduring in two diverse art forms.

Martha Bird’s work plays with the traditional weave of functional baskets, twisting and expanding them into sculptural willow and rattan forms. She draws her inspiration from French, Irish and Japanese basketry that allow viewers to experience the art form in new ways. Return Again and Pathways feature willow from the Arboretum, while other works in the show are woven from the willow garden that Bird cultivates in southeast Minnesota.

Her baskets are on display throughout the Spring Flower Show, with a focus on her Japanese-inspired basketry in the Andersen Horticultural Library. A sculptural vessel, Wayward, features weekly botanical arrangements in collaboration with florist Jack Nelson, EMC (European Master Certification) of Wysp Studio. Susan Snegosky of Fiddles & Fronds created ikebana-style floral arrangements on display throughout Andersen Horticultural Library to accompany Bird’s Japanese-inspired baskets, and complement the serene energy of the famous George Nakashima furnishings.

Artist Marilyn Cox creates decoupage on upcycled glass. She skillfully adds intricate, narrative or abstract designs to what might otherwise be discarded objects. Decoupage (French for “to cut”) is the art of permanently decorating a surface with cut paper and varnish, and it is utilized here as a unique form of collage. The layering technique the artist uses allows for the juxtaposition of images, text and color, effectively preserving the paper fragments and adding texture to the final sculpture or vessel.

Together these artists have produced a collection of resilient, tactile artworks in which every sustainably harvested branch and sealed glowing paper shape holds a piece of its story, demonstrating the profound power of transformation through careful, patient handwork.

Learn more about these artists' work on their websites:

Cost: Included with general daily admission, which is free for members and ages 15 and younger and $20-$25 for non-members ages 16 and older. Indigenous peoples receive waived general daily admission to the Arboretum when making a reservation by calling 612-301-6775.

Artist Meet & Greet

Friday, Jan. 30 from 6-8 p.m. during Preview Night of the Spring Flower Show.

Special Artist Talk with Martha Bird

Saturday, Feb. 21 from 1-2 p.m.

Cultivating Willow: Building Community through the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

Snyder Auditorium

Artist Martha Bird will talk about growing the willow (Salix) plant to create sculptural basketry and build community. She will share her process for planting, growing, and harvesting chromatic varieties of willow, and detail the preparations required to weave willow into art. She’ll also provide photos and reflections highlighting her various artistic partnerships with the Arboretum, focusing on her participation in the YouBetcha build, which was on display from 2019-2023. YouBetcha featured a sculpture of sustainably harvested willow by artist Patrick Dougherty with five towers, a maze and a meandering pathway. Bird’s artist talk will offer the audience the opportunity for a robust Q&A.

The talk is included with general daily admission, but registration is required.

Artist Talk Tickets

Artist Statements

Expand all

Artist Statements

Martha Bird

Martha Bird is a Twin Cities studio artist specializing in traditional and sculptural basketry. Her primary material is willow (Salix), which she cultivates in many color varieties. Bird’s artistic practice has included involving community in the sustainable practices of growing and harvesting willow, and international travel to explore and learn about diverse cultural basketry traditions and techniques. She has exhibited nationally, and her work has been acquired by the Minnesota Historical Society and can also be found in collections in New York, Michigan, Indiana and Pennsylvania.

Marilyn Cox

Marilyn Cox is a self-taught artist with an interest in modernizing the art of decoupage. Her work explores the intersection of tradition and transformation through the lens of modern decoupage on glass. Her designs break from traditional and typically more quaint decoupage with bold colors and abstract designs. She chooses repurposed second-hand glass — such as vases, plates and bowls — that are functional in a modern household. Her use of clear glass substrates allows for double-sided designs that appear printed on glass. Rather than creating a collage of many different subjects, her designs are unified around a central theme.

The Orono-based artist is inspired by the diversity of colors and textures found in the wildlife, woods, lakes and trails near her home. Cox has been an active artist through gallery shows, art fairs and commissions in the Twin Cities area since 2018.