Bio:
Martha Bird is a Minneapolis-based multidisciplinary artist who specializes in traditional and sculptural basketry. Nationally and internationally known basketmakers have been her teachers, as this art medium is passed down specifically from artisan to artisan. Basketry, as a medium, has depth as it reaches back to the beginning of time and breadth as it stretches across all continents, while remaining a practice of only simple tools and the creator’s hands and the materials.

Martha has exhibited in numerous group and solo exhibitions locally and nationally including Massachusetts, Washington, and New Jersey, and at locations such as the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Hennepin County Library, Textile Center, Duluth Art Institute, Society of Arts and Crafts, and the Minneapolis Institute of Art. She has also toured her sculptural basketry with the National Basketry Organization. Martha is committed to community and has been involved in the arts as a student, volunteer, curator, writer, arts organizer, teaching artist and arts advocate.

Martha recently received an Artist Initiative grant to support professional development and create new work. Stay tuned for more details!

Artist Statement:
Martha's background of a masters degree in holistic nursing weaves together her multimedia artwork as representation of healing in body, mind and soul to invite wholeness in both the work and herself. Themes that can be seen in her work include: the individual is stronger in community, art as healing and creative force, connections to beauty and nature.

View more about Martha on her personal website here: www.marthabirdart.com