Prairie Dances

    CURRENT PROJECT

    Project Description

    Prairie Dances is a project about the renewal, regeneration, and conservation of pollinator insects and their habitats. Minnesota prairies and marshlands are vanishing, leading to the decline of host plants for butterflies, dragonflies, and bees. The project outcome is metal sculptures crafted to honor pollinators and their habitats.

    The sculpture will feature simplified forms of prairie and marsh plants and the insects they host. Bronze, copper, and brass will introduce multiple colors to each finished piece. Flat sheets of the base metals will be shaped into 3D forms using traditional hand tools, joined using jewelry soldering tools and techniques, and detailed using traditional metal chasing and repoussé tools and techniques.

    Inspiration

    ARTISTS TO LEARN FROM

    Creative Metal Forming

    Betty Helen Longhi & Cynthia Eid

    Betty Helen Longhi and Cynthia Eid are accomplished metalsmiths. Their book, “Creative Metal Forming”  is a comprehensive tutorial on ways to form sheet metal using hammers and forming stakes. https://creativemetalforming.com/

    Chasing and Repousse

    David Huang

    David Huang is a metal artist working with eco-friendly methods of moving and chasing metal.  A full-time artist, David makes treasured metal vessels raised from copper and silver discs and embellished using the ancient arts of metal chasing and repousse.  https://davidhuang.org/

    Metal Formfolding

    Charles Lewton-Brain

    Master goldsmith Charles Lewton-Brain invented the process of fold-forming metal, a groundbreaking approach to developing texture and design. His research and design principles are studied worldwide. https://www.foldforming.org/learning.html

    Goldsmith

    Liz Bucheit

    Project Artistic Advisor, Liz Bucheit, is a goldsmith and teaching artist with over 30 years of experience. Liz holds a Master’s degree in Metalworking and Jewelry and has trained in traditional jewelry and metalworking techniques in Norway and Ireland.https://crowntroutonline.com/

    ORGANIZATIONS AND SERVICES

    Plants and Habitats

    Pollinator Insects

    Restore and Renew

    UPCOMING EVENTS

    Dances in Nature

    PRAIRIE DANCES CAPSTONE EVENT

    Sculpture, printed art, and informational posters from my current project, Prairie Dances, will be exhibited in the 1916 Gallery at Chatfield Center for the Art.  An artist reception is scheduled from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on October 30, 2025.  This reception is free to the public.

    • October 30 – November 1
    • Chatfield Center for the Arts
    • 405 Main Street, Chatfield Minnesota