Art/Nature Connections

The Kalapuya People of Oregon

For my final article for the Sherwood Gazette, I chose a topic of not only personal interest, but of vital importance. I grew up with Lakota people in South Dakota and have been influenced deeply by indigenous people wherever I've lived. Part of the healing of our society starts with our acknowledgement of the first people of America, and an honoring of their past and current presence. I hope you can find time to read the complete article below, thank you!

Above photos:

Left: exhibit of local basketry in progress at the Chachula Tribal Museum in Grand Ronde, Oregon, photo by Marianne Bickett with permission from the museum.

Middle: Earliest known photo of the Five Oaks Historic Site, circa 1925. Photographer unknown. Five Oaks Museum Collection, used by permission of the museum.

Right: exhibit of mortar and pestle by Hazel grass at the Chachula Tribal Museum, photo by Marianne Bickett with permission from the museum.

Links for information on Oregon Wildflower locations and Native Plants

Every spring the unfolding of wildflowers has been a great treasure for me. For those of you living in Oregon, here are two links to help you locate places to view the seasonal display of wildflowers for each region:

Oregon Wildflowers

Travel Oregon: places to find wildflowers

You can find corresponding websites in your area if you do not live in Oregon for both locations and native plant information. For example, most all states have a Native Plant organization you can contact. Choose native flowers, trees, and other plants whenever possible!! Thank you!

And websites to help you learn about native wildflowers:

Native Plant Society of Oregon

Oregon Audubon Society

Mentioned in my (late May, 2023) article in the Sherwood Gazette as a great place for wildflower viewing:

Camassia Natural Area

Please scroll down to Seasonal Nature Art Activities and click on the pdf file labeled "SummerSpring" for free download of guidelines and steps to flower drying and pressing.

Enjoy the Wild Song of Wildflowers wherever you are!!

Links for information on Forest Bathing:

I have loved trees all my life and appreciate what they do for our planet. Now we know that trees are not only beautiful, give us food and shelter as well as homes, but that they are good for our health with their rich supply of oxygen and as a source of calming energy. To learn more about Forest Bathing, here are some great links!

Japanese Forest Bathing

Kaiser Permanente Benefits of Forest Bathing

Global Wellness Institute Benefits of Forest Bathing

Search for local parks, refuges, and wildlife sanctuaries where you can find a quiet space to BE in the forest.

Happy Forest Bathing!!

Bug Hotel, Fall 2022: Community Resilience

Bug Inn

Repurposed wooden cabinet, 2'x3' with assorted natural materials

Whilst we were traveling in England in September, we encountered a few of these

amazing "Bug Hotels" that inspired us to give it a try once we returned home. With dwindling open spaces and wild habitats, even insects need places to thrive. We need our helpful bug friends, such as the Mason bees, ladybugs, snails, caterpillars (hence, butterflies and moths), and spiders so as to keep in check any unwanted non-native critters and to be a part of the life cycle of a healthy ecosystem as food for birds and other animals. Please read my narrative with photos below to learn how you can build your own Bug Hotel! Thanks to WhatsNextForEarth for the Art Call!

Left: Ephemeral art in homage to Andy Goldsworthy (March 2022) created by Martha from Texas. Great work and thank you for the contribution!!

The similarity of the lines in our hands to leaves and trees demonstrates our profound connection to nature.

Right: Assembled natural object sculpture created by Jaxon, age 3 (2021) using rocks, twigs, and flower petals that fell from a blossoming plum tree.

The natural world offers a beautiful canvas that invites us to create with it!!

Download FREE Art and Nature Activities below!!

Thich Nhat Hanh: About Mother Earth

The Kalapuya People of Oregon

Sherwood Gazette August 2023

The Wild Song of Wildflowers

Links for information on Oregon Wildflower locations and Native Plants

Wildflower Article

Forest Bathing

Links for information on Forest Bathing:

Forest Bathing Tips, Article, Meditation

Liking Lichen!

Reindeer Lichen

Blueberry Turmeric Print

Blueberry Turmeric Print

Blueberry Turmeric Print

Blueberry Turmeric Print

Blueberry Turmeric Print

Lichen Prints with Resources, and Article

Bug Hotel, Fall 2022: Community Resilience

Download Narrative of Bug Hotel

VerdancyProject Artist Seed Swap Fall 2022: Seed Paper Fun!!

Download PDF files!

We are Nature!!

Seasonal Nature Art Activities will return this fall!