“For the Birds” Public Art Project with Gallery Route One, Point Reyes Station, CA, September 5-25, 2013
This artist-in-residency and public art project included the creation of a large bio-degradable nest sculpture of branches and handmade paper feathers in the Commons and the making of many small nests installed in trees along the main street in Point Reyes Station, CA. The artworks were created with the participation of students at West Marin Elementary School and community volunteers during Jane Ingram Allen’s artist-in-residency project in Point Reyes September 5 – 25, 2013. The children and volunteers worked with the artist to construct the large nest in the Commons and make many handmade paper feathers to line this nest as well as constructing smaller nests also lined with the handmade paper feathers. The handmade paper feathers are made from pulp created with local plant waste materials (leaves and bark) and have seeds to feed the birds in the pulp. 7 local plants were used to make the handmade paper for this project, and the birdseeds are the blend called “No Mess” because the seeds do not sprout. The children and adults wrote wishes for the earth and made drawings on the handmade paper feathers they created to hang on the “Nest” at the opening celebration on September 22. This art project was completed on September 22, and the handmade paper feathers tied onto the “Nests” for the birds to eat. The public art installation will be on view until December 1, 2013, or until it disappears as compost. It is hoped that this public art installation will raise more public awareness about birds in Point Reyes and the importance of preserving habitat and a clean environment “for the birds” as well as humans.
All photos here are by Timothy S. Allen. For more photos by Timothy S. Allen, view his Blog at http://allentimphotos2.wordpress.com
