Grove Farm Residency

Echoes in History

Exploring Roots through Collage

I am excited to announce my upcoming residency at Grove Farm in Hesston, PA, part of the Juniata College Field Station facilities. Nestled on 365 acres along Raystown Lake, this facility is nestled in a region rich in agricultural and industrial history. During my immersive three-week stay, I plan to collaborate with local historical societies, drawing inspiration from local artifacts. By deconstructing and reworking these artifacts into patchwork paper collages, I aim to reflect the resourceful repurposing that preserves history. My goal is to create a series of paper artifact-focused collages that tell the stories of the small communities within Huntingdon County.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our 18 Participating Organizations

As the Grove Farm Residency project concluded, I was deeply grateful to the 18 participating organizations that generously opened their doors, shared their collections, and entrusted me with their stories. Each organization, with its unique beginnings and passionate dedication, played a vital role in shaping the tapestry of our community’s history.

These collaborations brought together people from various places and walks of life, fostering connections that enriched our understanding and development. By providing access to their facilities, archives, and narratives, these organizations broadened my perspective and allowed us to create something truly special, honoring the legacy of our region. For more information, I have provided each participating organization below.

The three collective elements that will compose this collection...

Quilt Block Squares

As part of my ongoing exploration of community identity and history, my main focus at the farm involves creating quilt block squares. These patchwork narratives will serve as the backbone of Echoes in History Exhibition that will on Display at the Juniata College Museum of Art in Summer of 2025. These squares represent the fabric of local organizations and communities in Huntingdon County, brought to life through archival materials. Each square is a piece of history, capturing the essence of the people, places, and moments that have shaped the county over time.

Crazy Quilt Collage

While working on the quilt block squares, I will be collecting the leftover materials from each print. These remnants, though small, carry the weight of the history and stories I’m telling. During my 28 day stay, I’ll be using these materials to create a crazy quilt-style collage, a piece that will hang above the Mantel in Shuster Hall. This collage will serve as a patchwork of the diverse narratives and experiences of Huntingdon County, stitched together in a vibrant display of color and texture. The installation of this work will take place in the fall, with a reception to celebrate its unveiling.

Paper Clothing

In addition to the quilt block squares and the collage, I’ll be using the archival materials to create a series of paper clothing. This work will be exhibited alongside the quilt blocks at Juniata College’s Museum of Art. The paper clothing symbolizes the roles and identities we assume, shaped by our history and heritage. Each piece will reflect how our past continues to influence who we are today, providing a tangible connection between the threads of history and the fabric of our lives.