Danielle Guidici Wallis, a local independent artist, imagined a residency program that would create opportunities for artists like her. Influenced by the natural world and the issues that impact it, Wallis created art using invasive plant species, helping to education the public on recognizing them and understanding the impact they have on local ecosystems.

Recently, I listened to Robin Wall Kimmerer’s book “The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World” knowing I would enjoy it because I love all of Kimmerer’s work. More than this, I knew the metaphor at the core of the book was wrapped around the story of birds and berries. I love birds. I love berries. However, I wasn’t expecting to find myself pondering all that I love and the sheer abundance of these gifts.