Meet The Artist
Our story
As an artist I love to ‘Make It Make Sensory’ and in my art I work with many different materials found in nature; and then preserve them in resin. I also use these materials to create miniature sceneries or outdoor sensory experiences; such as a installation called “Antarctica” that included small animals living in the coldest environments of winter. It is also important to represent my Native American heritage in these outdoor creations to promote cultural learning opportunities.
Curator of JOY!
During the pandemic, I was able to go out into nature and install fairy gardens in parks; a violin station for a truly interactive experience with music; a Gratitude Tree to express gratefulness ~ a Wellness Tree to find local food resources-practice yoga-read and many other sensory-sand play experiences to give families, children & community a SAFE place to gather outdoors.
The intent was to help people of all ages ... deal with anxiety and to have a sense of peace & healing ... while we were all forced to cope together in silence, solitude or both.
What really brought me outdoors into the 'Beauty of Nature' was my own child being diagnosed with extreme anxiety and seeing how all of the walks began to help him HEAL mentally-socially-spiritually. Now all of this JOY is included in the artworks & the memorable sensory play experiences we create!
Designing play outdoors …
Inclusive experiences with …
Sensory installations
Native American inspired themes
Using nature to heal communities …
@twobirdsboston
“Miss Maria has helped me with my mental health and has shown me how to care more for nature.”
7 years old, Sensory play volunteer