Soil forms the foundation of our day-to-day lives. It blankets the earth, grows our food and nurtures the organisms that are central to nature’s systems of life. Though it plays such a critical role, how often do we pause to reflect on its beauty, its health and the complex fabric that holds it all together?
Soil health will be at the heart of the conversation at the upcoming panel discussion: Dig This: An Exploration of Soil Health on Jan. 18, 12:30-2:30 p.m. in the MacMillan Auditorium. The event coincides with the opening of Unraveling: A Fiber Art Exploration of Our Natural World, an exhibition of the work of fiber artist Deborah Foutch, on display in the Reedy Gallery Jan. 15-Feb. 16, 2025.
For Foutch, soil conservation is a topic close to her heart. The daughter of a soil conservationist raised on a farm in Iowa, Foutch draws on her roots to create art that depicts soil and its intricate relationship with plants and the organic materials that support its structure.
Her work draws the audience in to admire the beauty and complexity of soil, while subtly nudging the viewer to reflect on the changes that may have occurred over time due to the adverse forces that continue to face our world. Foutch employs a wide variety of materials in her work, including fiber, cotton, canvas, silk, paper and organza. She discovered her love of fiber art in college while pursuing degrees in art and history at the University of Northern Iowa.
Mixed media artist Deborah Foutch in her Minneapolis studio. Photo courtesy of Deborah Foutch
“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,” said Foutch in her artist statement.
The exhibition and panel discussion provide viewers and participants the opportunity to get curious about soil health, with opportunities to engage with the artist and other panel representatives during and after the discussion.
The panel discussion will be facilitated by Wendy DePaolis, Curator for Arts and Sculpture at the Arboretum, who will be joined in conversation by Deborah Foutch; Michael Schmitt, Professor and Associate Dean of CFANS (College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences) and Extension; and Jennifer Garbow, Tribal Engagement and Outreach Liaison for CFANS. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided after the discussion.
Unraveling: A Fiber Art Exploration of Our Natural World is included with daily general admission. Advance registration is required for the panel discussion: Dig This: An Exploration of Soil Health on Jan. 18.
Cover image: Detail from “Life Above and Below” by artist Deborah Foutch.
The Arboretum is home to three indoor gallery spaces featuring rotating exhibitions of nature-based art plus numerous works of art and sculpture found across the grounds and in the Harrison Sculpture Garden, home of the Dakota Sacred Hoop Walk. Learn more about Art at the Arboretum and explore upcoming exhibitions.