CALIFORNIA PETALS is my latest public art installation using handmade paper and seeds for wildflowers. This installation is part of the 2020 Santa Rosa Metro Chamber’s “Open and Out” program of art events in downtown Santa Rosa, California.  The many colorful handmade paper flower petals that make up the installation represent different wildflower species of northern California.  The giant petals, each unique and handmade using plant fibers dyed with non-toxic dyes, contain seeds for that color of wildflowers.  After this window display comes down, I will “plant” the petals in an outdoor space to transform over time and produce living blooming wildflowers. With its potential for new life, this art installation expresses hope for the future and brings new beauty and color to the downtown area of Santa Rosa. “California Petals” will be on view at the storefront windows of 620 Fourth Street through Oct. 15, 2020. 

For more information:  www.openandoutsr.com

The photos below show me making some of the handmade paper “petals” for the installation in my studio.  Photos were taken by my husband Timothy S. Allen (https://allentimphotos2.wordpress.com).  I used buttercut stencils on my papermaking molds to get the different shapes of the handmade paper petals.  I colored the paper pulp (a combination of abaca, linen, cotton and paper mulberry fibers) with fiber reactive non toxic dyes.  The seeds for wildflowers in each color of pulp will produce California wildflowers in the same color as the handmade paper.  

     

Photos of the downtown storefront installation will be posted here after I install the many “petals” on August 6, and “California Petals” will remain on view through October 15, 2020.  Hope you get a chance to take a stroll through downtown Santa Rosa in the newly designated car free pedestrian only blocks of Fourth Street. Other installations and art events are also planned for this area. Many downtown restaurants and bars are open now for takeout and outdoor seating; wearing masks and keeping safe social distances is required. My installation is at 620 Fourth Street in the vacant storefront windows next to the Beer Baron Bar & Kitchen.

For more information:  www.openandoutsr.com