In celebration of our 10-year anniversary, CoDwelling is Prairiewood’s very first artist residency and program series which will result in a new sculptural element being constructed by artist Aaron Treher on top of a pre-existing pavilion structure by Prairiewood’s Walnut Pond area. The goal of the new addition is to invite barn swallow nesting while the goal of the pavilion structure is to invite human interaction. This playful juxtaposition of wildlife and human life invites visitors to reconsider the often overlooked spaces and species that surround us, and observe our shared needs.
The project will develop over the course of August 2020 with public days by Walnut Pond on Sundays from 4-8pm. Bring a blanket to sit on the grass, have a picnic, or take a walk around the prairie. Look out for special on-site DIY activities that explore overlaps between Art & Ecology, plus a series of three, limited-seating panel discussions: Preserving the Patchwork, The Birds & the Bees, and Culture & Conservation.
Aaron Treher
Aaron Treher is a contemporary artist and educator based out of Boulder, Colorado. His non-traditional art practice bridges the fields of art and science, creating projects that contribute to both cultural and scientific forms of knowledge. You can see examples of Aaron’s work on his website.
Treher holds a Master of Fine Arts in Art Practices from the Sculpture and Post-Studio Practice area at the University of Colorado Boulder’s Department of Art and Art History. As a graduate student, Treher was awarded two King awards, multiple departmental scholarships, the 2017 Summer Fellowship through the College of Arts and Sciences, and in 2018, a duel NEST Fellowship in collaboration with Molly McDermott (Ph.D. student, Department of EBIO).
Most recently, Treher has been awarded a Western Lands Fellowship with the M12 Studio, a residency with the Kimmel Harding Nelson Center for the Arts in Nebraska City, Nebraska, a residency with the Mountain Research Station and the Sculpture and Post-Studio Practice area at University of Colorado Boulder, and a residency with the Ucross Foundation.
Walnut Pond
Walnut Pond offers visitors the opportunity to unplug and slow down in an idyllic setting. Whether fishing in the pond, kayaking on Wildcat Creek or enjoying a book in an Adirondack chair, this 50 acres of Prairiewood land has been set aside as an off-the-grid communal contemplative space.
The unplugged setting and natural features of the Walnut Pond area also make it an ideal habitat for a variety of bird life. Great blue herons, turkey, pileated woodpeckers, and a variety songbirds are just a few examples of the bird life we’ve seen over the years.
The CoDwelling project is the culmination of a collaboration between artist Aaron Treher and Prairiewood’s Walnut Pond site — “We have a notable opportunity for intentionally managing this land for wildlife habitat, but it’s also a beautifully accessible, peaceful space for people,” says Prairiewood owner Kail Katzenmeier. “It seems clear that this place is ripe with possibility as a sanctuary for birds, bees, and butterflies.”
Accordingly, the CoDwelling Artist Residency & Program Series also becomes a catalyst for Walnut Pond to be dedicated as a sanctuary space for birds and pollinators. Stay tuned for more developments as we watch the CoDwelling project develop throughout August.
Programs & Events
Sundays at Walnut Pond
Outdoor events on Sundays in August will offer families a chance to come observe the project's progress, walk around the Walnut Pond trail, and do some fun, educational nature+art activities. With no registration required, Sundays at Walnut Pond are happening in conjunction with Open Trails at Prairiewood.
Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30
4-8pm
Event Details: Facebook
“Preserving the Patchwork” Panel Discussion
Bring your outdoor blanket or lawn chair and join us for a panel discussion with regional experts representing different land preservation efforts in central Kansas. Limited to 50 participants with registration required, we invite you to spread out under our shady canopy of walnut trees and learn more from our panelists.
Sunday, Aug. 9
6:30-8pm
Event Details & Registration: Eventbrite
“The Birds & the Bees” Panel Discussion
Bring your outdoor blanket or lawn chair and join us for a panel discussion with regional experts and community members who work and volunteer with birds, pollinators, and their habitats. Limited to 50 participants with registration required, we invite you to spread out under our shady canopy of walnut trees and learn more from our panelists.
Sunday, Aug. 16
6:30-8pm
Event Details & Registration: Eventbrite
“Culture & Conservation” Panel Discussion
Bring your outdoor blanket or lawn chair and join us for a panel discussion with artists and industry professionals whose work informs our cultural landscape. Limited to 50 participants with registration required, we invite you to spread out under our shady canopy of walnut trees and learn more from our panelists.
Sunday, Aug. 23
6:30-8pm
Event Details & Registration: Eventbrite