LODGE(d) at the Museum of Northwest Art, Surge Festival on climate change, artists and scientists joined forces to start a multifaceted conversation on rising sea levels. Barbara De Pirro & Lisa Kinoshita created a life-size beaver dam, in tribute to an engineering species so important in conservation (it channels water in such a way as to expand wetlands, recharge groundwater, stabilize sediments, and provide cooler habitat for young salmon) that the Fish & Wildlife Service and US Forest Service are reintroducing it to Methow Valley. On Sept. 28, they deconstructed LODGE(D), moved it to the Matzke Fine Art Gallery and Sculpture Park on Camano Island, and rebuilt it in an entirely new configuration...
The inspiration behind LODGE(d), our life-size beaver dam, a tribute to this a
superlative engineer. The North American
Beaver is a vital partner in environmental restoration; it channels water in
such a way as to expand wetlands, recharge groundwater, stabilize sediments,
and provide cooler habitat for young salmon. An excellent documentary!
Barbara De Pirro creates environmental, mixed media sculptures and installations. Her observations of nature have triggered a profound admiration for its brilliance, resilience and its vulnerability. With each project she strives to create a sense of wonder; enticing the viewer to turn that vision outwards into the natural world, nurturing an understanding of that interconnection and encouraging reflection about our relationship with the environment.
De Pirro’s artwork has been commissioned and exhibited in Museums, Galleries, Sculpture Parks, Art Centers and Public Art Organizations. She is a member of Northwest Designer Craftsman, Surface Design Association and National Basketry Organization. She is an Artist Trust Fellowship, Residency and GAP Grantee, Millay Colony for the Arts & Golden Foundation for the Arts Alum. De Pirro’s artwork is highlighted in multiple publications; including "Basketry Now", "Artistry in Fiber: Sculpture', ‘TextileArt Around the World’, ‘Green Art: Trees, Leaves and Roots’, World of Threads, Fiber Art Now and Surface Design Association.