Jan. 15-Feb. 16, 2025
Fiber artist Deborah Foutch presents a dramatic solo show of her latest mixed-media pieces inspired by ecology, geology and hope. Using cotton, canvas, silk, paper, organza and more, Foutch creates intricate, cross-section views not just of soil systems but also of plants above ground attached to their realistic root systems below, thereby immersing viewers in the beautiful and complicated systems that make up living soil.
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: Opening Reception & Soil Panel Discussion
Saturday, Jan. 18 from 12:30-2:30 p.m.
Soil Panel: "Dig This: An Exploration of Soil Health"
This panel discussion will focus on the current understanding of soil from a variety of perspectives. Artist, Deborah Foutch from the Unraveling: A Fiber Art Exploration of Our Natural World exhibit, U of M scientist and a cultural representative, will discuss the importance of soil health and offer practical information that will benefit humans and the environment.
- 12:30 p.m. Enjoy the exhibition "Unraveling: A Fiber Art Exploration of Our Natural World."
- 1-2 p.m. Panel discussion: Speakers will include the artist Deborah Foutch; Dr. Michael Schmitt, Professor and Associate Dean of CFANS and Extension; and Jennifer Garbow, Tribal Engagement and Outreach Liaison for CFANS.
- 2-2:30 p.m. Speak with panelists and enjoy light bites and beverages.
Cost: Advance registration required. Free for members, $20 for non-members. Indigenous peoples and University of Minnesota students receive waived general daily admission to the Arboretum when making a reservation by calling 612-301-6775.
Depicting a Complex World
"I am an artist bowled over by the natural world — by the lush, complicated systems we walk through daily. I work in mixed media because the richness of combined materials comes closest to expressing my experience. After graduating with degrees in both art and history I moved to the Twin Cities in Minnesota to pursue an art career. I’ve shown my work nationally in galleries and festivals for the past 40 years. The discipline of the show deadlines, combined with the joy of playing with different materials keeps my work fresh and skills evolving. As an artist who cares about the natural world, I can see the changes we humans are causing. I feel called to express the need to treat the earth better. I have decided to start where I began. I am the daughter of a soil conservationist. Much of my recent work is tied to a visual examination of the beautiful and complicated systems that make up living soil, and what holds it in place. Water movement, geology, and the passage of time are elements I try to weave into layered pieces. I am currently creating with painted fabrics, eco-printed and painted papers, and found and altered objects that I bind together with painting and quilting techniques. The art pieces dance with texture, light, and line while holding true to their natural inspiration. My father’s work was to share solutions; mine is to share beauty and seek connection. holding true to their natural inspiration."