By the Red Barn Studio Museum
LINDSBORG, Kan. — The Red Barn Studio Museum is excited to shine a spotlight on two talented artists during the week of August 1-5, Eden Quispe and Kammy Downs. Their residency will provide them with a focused workspace and a chance to work on new and continuing textile projects, while delving into their individual artistic journeys.
Eden Quispe, a passionate artist, and mother of four, sees this residency as a much-needed escape from the demands of motherhood. With a keen eye for detail, Eden blends burning, printing, painting, and stitching techniques to create mesmerizing mixed media scenes. Her artwork (see above) revolves around the beautiful chaos of multitasking motherhood, and she draws inspiration from sentimental items such as her grandfather’s ties, her daughter’s dresses, and fabric inherited from her own and her husband’s Peruvian heritage. By transforming these fabrics into walls, tables, and chairs through painting, sewing, and cutting, Eden weaves together a patchwork of domestic objects that tell stories of heritage and connection.
Kammy Downs intends to use the residency as a space to complete a series of works informed by research on soil and microorganisms. Kammy’s work invites us to explore the relationship between the seen and unseen, with a focus on medicinal herbal plants that have played a pivotal role in her own physical healing. At the same time, she utilizes the symbolism of soil, plants, roots, and seeds to create visceral metaphors for mental health. According to Kammy, the work of personal growth and resilience often begins with the dirty, gut-wrenching process of developing a thought life that truly serves us. Through her deliberate and slow artistic process, including the use of local plant dyes, Kammy creates stunning pieces that celebrate the magic of the natural world. Her fabrics are meticulously hand-stitched together, with threads dyed using natural colors that bring the contours and energy of the plants to life.
In conjunction with their residency, Kammy Downs will be hosting an inspiring workshop on eco-printing. This workshop, scheduled for Saturday, August 5, 9:30am-12:30pm, will explore the magical process of using leaves to create beautiful prints on fabrics. Kammy will guide participants through the eco print process, and each attendee will have the opportunity to design their own silk scarf and muslin square adorned with leaf prints. The workshop will provide all necessary supplies, including leaves, silk scarves, muslin squares, tools, and an eco-print recipe. Participants are encouraged to bring an apron and a spool of twine, and they may optionally bring fresh cut leaves.
The workshop promises to be a transformative experience, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills to continue the eco print process on their own. The workshop is $40 for members and $45 for non-members. Reservations are required. Call 785-227-2217 or email the Red Barn.
During their residency, both Eden and Kammy are looking forward to engaging with the Lindsborg community, fostering a spirit of creativity and artistic growth.
The Red Barn Studio Museum‘s residency program is sponsored in part by the Kansas Creative Arts Industry Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts. The Red Barn Studio Museum is located at 212 S. Main Street and is open Tuesday through Friday, 10:00am-5:00pm and Saturday and Sunday, 1:00-5:00pm, and by appointment. Please call (785) 227-2217 to schedule an appointment.
