Construction Interactive Installation Foraged Flower Petals, Wild Clays, Found Wood, Community Participation
This interactive installation invites participants on a journey of creation and connection through the ancient art of rose bead making. Using flowers lovingly grown and foraged by my sister, mother, and me from the hills of Appalachia, guests follow a guided process to transform these botanical treasures into fragrant, meaningful beads. As participants work with their hands, thoughtfully curated prompts foster rich conversation and reflection, creating space for genuine connection between strangers. Upon completion, each person contributes one bead to our ever-growing communal strand—a physical representation of our collective experience—while receiving another bead to exchange with a fellow participant. A third bead becomes a keepsake to carry home. This living artwork creates a bridge between the Appalachian landscape and communities in Boston, Alaska, or wherever the installation travels. Each participant leaves their mark on the evolving piece, shares a tangible memory with someone new, and departs with both a handcrafted token and meaningful connections formed through shared artistic creation.