The City of Auburn and the Auburn Arts Commission are thrilled to welcome artist Allyce Wood to serve as the 2023 Mary Olson Farm Artist in Residence.
The Mary Olson Farm Artist in Residence program began in the summer of 2018. The City of Auburn program offers the opportunity for an artist to pursue their work in, and to be inspired by, the unique and beautiful setting of the Mary Olson Farm in Auburn, Washington. The residency lasts two months, providing the artist with a large indoor barn studio, a stipend, and access to the 67 acre farm.
A variety of public programming opportunities are planned in conjunction with the Artist Residency that are free and open to the public.
Currently in the sixth year of the program, the City of Auburn has welcomed some very talented artists for the unique artist opportunity, and out of 25 applications this year from talented Northwest artists, Allyce Wood was enthusiastically selected by a panel of jurors and staff. Wood earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Oslo Academy of Fine Arts. She primarily works as a textile-based artist creating hand-made patterned tapestries woven on analog looms. Her interests and experience in engaging with the public through craft, storytelling, and weaving will help to create dynamic public programming that ties closely to the history of textile craft at the Mary Olson Farm.
During her residency at Mary Olson Farm, Wood plans to draw inspiration from the natural environment. The artist intends to explore the farm to source natural materials - things like weeds or bark, to dye her yarns. She looks forward to finding pattern-based inspiration from her surroundings.
The residency will last for two months during June and July, and the artist will utilize the large barn as an indoor studio space, and receive a stipend for her time. As the Artist in Residence, Wood will lead a variety of free public programs. Visitors to Mary Olson Farm will have the opportunity to meet Allyce Wood and experience an entirely new artistic perspective on one of Auburn’s most beautiful places!
2023 Artist in Residence Public Programming:
- Free Community Workshop: Cardboard Loom Weaving
Thursday, July 13, 12:00 - 4:00 PM
Participants will learn the fundamental elements of weaving through the use of simple household tools! Visual artist Allyce Wood will guide you step by step in creating a unique tapestry of your own design, exploring texture effects, striping, and color blocks.
For more information or to register, visit the workshop registration page.
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Free Community Workshop: Cardboard Loom Weaving
Saturday, July 29, 2:00 - 6:00 PM
Participants will learn the fundamental elements of weaving through the use of simple household tools! Visual artist Allyce Wood will guide you step by step in creating a unique tapestry of your own design, exploring texture effects, striping, and color blocks.
For more information or to register, visit the workshop registration page.
- Final Exhibition and Artist Talk:
Wednesday, September 20, 5:00-7:00 PM
Join us at the White River Valley Museum for the final exhibition and artist talk showcasing our artist in residence Allyce Wood!
For more information on the artist Allyce Wood, please visit her website.
To apply for future Artist in Residence and other art opportunities with the City of Auburn, visit our Call to Artists page.
For more information about the Mary Olson Farm, please visit the White River Valley Museum website
This art program is coordinated in partnership between the City of Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation Department and the White River Valley Museum, with the support of the Auburn Arts Commission and 4Culture/King County Lodging Tax Fund.