• Gallery
  • Public and Community Art
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact
  • Book
Menu

Sarah Haskell

  • Gallery
  • Public and Community Art
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact
  • Book

Beyond the studio: I design and guide art projects that build community and raise self esteem.

Immigration Community Art Project

Immigration Community Art Project
Immigration Community Art Project

Inspired by a 2022 trip to Tucson, Arizona where a group of NH high school students along with their adult companions, learned about immigration laws and policies and the lived experiences of people who live near or are trying to cross the border. Kristin Forselius and Kathleen Collins, the adult leaders of this entourage, came home from this experience and created this thought provoking exhibit – hiring me to compliment the immigration timeline with a community art project.

This is the tri-fold screen I designed to be the foundation of the art project. It is covered with hand dyed cotton fish netting.

Immigration Time Line - Introduction
Immigration Time Line - Introduction

This panel outlines the inspiration and beginnings of the time line exhibit.

How to participate in the Community Art Project
How to participate in the Community Art Project
Community Art Project Hang Tag
Community Art Project Hang Tag

Participants are asked to fill out a hang tag and attach it to the fish net.

The front of the hang tag has 6 questions to fill out. These can be about yourself/family or your ancestors.

The back has a text bubble to be filled with with one of three responses:

o A greeting of welcome in your native language.

o How did seeing the timeline make you feel?

o What would you say to a recent immigrant?

Hang tag
Hang tag

Hang tag completed at exhibit opening by a recent immigrant from China.

Attaching the hang tags to the fish fishnetting.
Attaching the hang tags to the fish fishnetting.
Sarah at the opening event
Sarah at the opening event

Here we are at the launch of this project which will be in display for several months and eventually tour New England.

Hang tags attached to netting
Hang tags attached to netting
Hang tag back with word of greeting.
Hang tag back with word of greeting.
Hang tags attached to netting.
Hang tags attached to netting.

The hope is that the netting will become completely covered with hang tags. These tags will be photographed and documented for project evaluation.

IMG_8554.jpg

Monson Arts Community Weaving - July 2023, Monson Maine

Monson Magic!
Monson Magic!

July 2023 - Summer Fest - Community Weaving -many hands make easy work!

Monson Arts Community Weaving
Monson Arts Community Weaving

This loom was custom built by a community member - designed to reflect and honor the slate quarries that ring the village.

Monson Arts Community Aerts - July 2023
Monson Arts Community Aerts - July 2023

Making the clothes pin people and details for our community weaving.

Monson Community Weaving
Monson Community Weaving

All ages and abilities engage in this project.

IMG_6279.jpg
Monson Arts Community Weaving
Monson Arts Community Weaving

Just a few of the clothespin people created to add to the completed weaving.

IMG_6309.jpg
Monson Arts Community Weaving
Monson Arts Community Weaving

Happy momma with her newborn baby.

IMG_6306.jpg

SWADDLE

Swaddled Shoe
Swaddled Shoe

SWADDLE invites the public to wrap or bind found and natural objects with donated yarn and fabric – ultimately building an installation of bound objects.

Swaddling is an act of taking care. Inspired by the work of outsider artist Judith Scott, this installation will grow as the public joins the conversation about what it means to care for something or someone. When our human race finds a way to care, to tend to and have empathy for others - we will begin to heal the division that defines our current world.

Included are opportunities for conversation, plus writing and drawing, binding words, stories and images as well as yarn. Participation in this project is not limited by age or ability and offers an all-inclusive creative environment.

Swaddled sticks
Swaddled sticks

SWADDLE is inspired by the work artist Judith Scott, born with Downs Syndrome and deaf, who created over 200 wrapped works using an assortment of found objects and yarn. Her work is a profound act of caring and love.

SWADDLE will offer participants the opportunity use a variety of donated materials from recycled clothing, yarn and packing materials to discarded household items, ribbons, twigs, twine and stones. Using these materials along with personal objects and written words, people will create a swaddled sculpture, layered with meaning and metaphor. Participants will be encouraged to write or talk about their piece as part of the project documentation.

Swaddle china fragment
Swaddle china fragment

SWADDLE invites the public to wrap or bind found and natural objects with donated yarn and fabric – ultimately building an installation of bound objects.

Swaddling is an act of taking care. Inspired by the work of outsider artist Judith Scott, this installation will grow as the public joins the conversation about what it means to care for something or someone. When our human race finds a way to care, to tend to and have empathy for others - we will begin to heal the division that defines our current world.

Included are opportunities for conversation, plus writing and drawing, binding words, stories and images as well as yarn. Participation in this project is not limited by age or ability and offers an all-inclusive creative environment.

Swaddled brick
Swaddled brick

SWADDLE invites the public to wrap or bind found and natural objects with donated yarn and fabric – ultimately building an installation of bound objects.

Swaddling is an act of taking care. Inspired by the work of outsider artist Judith Scott, this installation will grow as the public joins the conversation about what it means to care for something or someone. When our human race finds a way to care, to tend to and have empathy for others - we will begin to heal the division that defines our current world.

Included are opportunities for conversation, plus writing and drawing, binding words, stories and images as well as yarn. Participation in this project is not limited by age or ability and offers an all-inclusive creative environment.

Swaddled beach chip
Swaddled beach chip

SWADDLE is inspired by the work artist Judith Scott, born with Downs Syndrome and deaf, who created over 200 wrapped works using an assortment of found objects and yarn. Her work is a profound act of caring and love.

SWADDLE will offer participants the opportunity use a variety of donated materials from recycled clothing, yarn and packing materials to discarded household items, ribbons, twigs, twine and stones. Using these materials along with personal objects and written words, people will create a swaddled sculpture, layered with meaning and metaphor. Participants will be encouraged to write or talk about their piece as part of the project documentation.

Swaddled granite chip
Swaddled granite chip

SWADDLE is inspired by the work artist Judith Scott, born with Downs Syndrome and deaf, who created over 200 wrapped works using an assortment of found objects and yarn. Her work is a profound act of caring and love.

SWADDLE will offer participants the opportunity use a variety of donated materials from recycled clothing, yarn and packing materials to discarded household items, ribbons, twigs, twine and stones. Using these materials along with personal objects and written words, people will create a swaddled sculpture, layered with meaning and metaphor. Participants will be encouraged to write or talk about their piece as part of the project documentation.

Swaddled china fragment
Swaddled china fragment

SWADDLE will host workshops where individuals might not have opportunities to create and share stories – soup kitchens, homeless shelters and senior centers. In addition to giving voice to underserved communities, SWADDLE will travel where art might not be expected – a school board meeting, the lunch/break room at a manufacturing site and a rest area on a major highway.

I believe that when our human race finds a way to care, to tend to and have empathy for others - we will begin to heal the division that defines our current world. Participation in this project is not limited by age or ability and offers an all-inclusive creative environment.

Seaweed Swaddle
Seaweed Swaddle

SWADDLE will host workshops where individuals might not have opportunities to create and share stories – soup kitchens, homeless shelters and senior centers. In addition to giving voice to underserved communities, SWADDLE will travel where art might not be expected – a school board meeting, the lunch/break room at a manufacturing site and a rest area on a major highway.

I believe that when our human race finds a way to care, to tend to and have empathy for others - we will begin to heal the division that defines our current world. Participation in this project is not limited by age or ability and offers an all-inclusive creative environment.

Swaddle shell fragment
Swaddle shell fragment

SWADDLE will host workshops where individuals might not have opportunities to create and share stories – soup kitchens, homeless shelters and senior centers. In addition to giving voice to underserved communities, SWADDLE will travel where art might not be expected – a school board meeting, the lunch/break room at a manufacturing site and a rest area on a major highway.

I believe that when our human race finds a way to care, to tend to and have empathy for others - we will begin to heal the division that defines our current world. Participation in this project is not limited by age or ability and offers an all-inclusive creative environment.

Shell Swaddle
Shell Swaddle

SWADDLE will host workshops where individuals might not have opportunities to create and share stories – soup kitchens, homeless shelters and senior centers. In addition to giving voice to underserved communities, SWADDLE will travel where art might not be expected – a school board meeting, the lunch/break room at a manufacturing site and a rest area on a major highway.

I believe that when our human race finds a way to care, to tend to and have empathy for others - we will begin to heal the division that defines our current world. Participation in this project is not limited by age or ability and offers an all-inclusive creative environment.

Well Used, Well Loved

Well Used, Well Loved
Well Used, Well Loved

A Community Art Project that explored age, beauty, attachment and impermanence through a dishtowel and reflective writing.

Well Used, Well Loved
Well Used, Well Loved

Well Used, Well Loved - the 8 dish towels

In January 2016 I launched "Well Used, Well Loved" (WUWL) a long term community art project that explored age, beauty impermanence and attachment through a hand woven dish towel and reflective writing/drawing.

Eight households from England to Oregon "adopted" a hand woven linen towel to use however they wish. Every other week I sent a prompt for reflection to be recorded in a small journal that I provided.

Well Used, Well Loved
Well Used, Well Loved

Eight households from England to Oregon "adopted" a hand woven linen towel to use however they wish.

Well Used, Well Loved
Well Used, Well Loved

The eight towels went to a diverse set of households.

Well Used, Well Loved
Well Used, Well Loved

I encouraged the families to use the towel however they wished.

Well Used, Well Loved
Well Used, Well Loved

Every other week I sent a prompt for reflection to be recorded in a small journal that I provided.

Well Used, Well Loved
Well Used, Well Loved

One of the 8 journals where families responded to the prompts I sent.

Well Used, Well Loved
Well Used, Well Loved

The response to my initial call to participate in WUWL was overwhelming. Over 50 households expressed interest in taking part in the project and I only had 8 towels.

Well Used, Well Loved - kozo paper with writing
Well Used, Well Loved - kozo paper with writing

So I created a secondary project that dovetailed with the first one. This second group of ulti-mately 38 households (Maine to Arizona) wrote and drew on kozo paper (a special Japanese paper) to record their response to my prompts.

Well Used, Well Loved
Well Used, Well Loved

Kozo paper with response to a prompt from one of the Paper Team members.

Well Used, Well Loved
Well Used, Well Loved

This kozo paper was then cut into the strips and spun into thread.

Well Used, Well Loved - paper spinning workshop
Well Used, Well Loved - paper spinning workshop

Thru a hands-on workshop at my studio I taught local folks from this group how to spin their kozo paper into thread using a Japanese technique called Shifu. I created a video tutorial for those who wanted to learn to spin their paper from afar.

Well Used, Well Loved
Well Used, Well Loved

These two groups became The Linen Team (journals and towels) and the Paper Team (Kozo paper spun into Shifu thread).

Prompts to both groups were the same.

Well Used, Well Loved
Well Used, Well Loved

For example Prompt #6 was: "The materials for this project are hand woven linen and Kozo pa-per. Both are created from plant fibers, known for their absorption qualities. Absorption can also been seen as dissolving boundaries. In that light what parallels or connec-tion do you observe between your own ability to absorb, to soak up, to empathize? What connections do you perceive between your linen/paper and the action of union, of dissolving boundaries, connection? What value do these actions have today?"

Well Used, Well Loved
Well Used, Well Loved

In September 2016 I collected the 8 towels and the journals from the Linen Team. The towels and journals illustrate honest signs of love and use.

Well Used, Well Loved
Well Used, Well Loved

Using these shifu spun threads as weft I wove a whole cloth — one voice from the many lives and many words.

Well Used, Well Loved
Well Used, Well Loved

Well Used, Well Loved

72” by 144”

Hand dyed and woven linen, hand spun paper, embroidery thread

2017

$10,000.00

The journals, the used/loved towels and the four panel piece woven from the Shifu threads create a powerful installation illustrating the depth of this project on age, beauty, impermanence and attachment.

Well Used, Well Loved - detail
Well Used, Well Loved - detail

Detail of center right panel.

Well Used, Well Loved
Well Used, Well Loved

Over the months that I guided WUWL, I witnessed a profound engagement from participants. I saw a ripple effect as some shared their experience with others.

Well Used, Well Loved
Well Used, Well Loved

Detail of center two panels - showing the red hand spun paper thread. This thread is meant to signify the invisible connections that link all living beings - we all age and change over time. And hopefully we are all well loved.

Biddeford Blooms

Biddeford Blooms August 2021 - August 2022
Biddeford Blooms August 2021 - August 2022

A year long community art project that engaged over 200 people in this four part weaving that tells the story of Biddeford, past and present.

Biddeford Blooms - the mill
Biddeford Blooms - the mill

The mill building - about 4 feet wide by 40” tall.

The looms were built of out locally sourced oak by a local woodworker.

Biddeford Blooms - detail
Biddeford Blooms - detail

Detail of the River weaving

Biddeford Blooms
Biddeford Blooms

Detail of the river panel

Biddeford Community Weaving August 2021
Biddeford Community Weaving August 2021

A three part weaving that will be installed in a public place in Biddeford when completed.

This is the River Loom built by Peter Anthony, Wells, ME.

Biddeford Blooms - Gardens
Biddeford Blooms - Gardens

One panel of the pair created to illustrate the community gardens.

Biddeford Blooms - Community Gardens
Biddeford Blooms - Community Gardens

Detail the Community Gardens panel

Biddeford Community Weaving August 2021
Biddeford Community Weaving August 2021

The Garden Loom.

Built by Peter Anthony, Wells,ME

Weft materials - recycled fabrics.

Biddeford Community Weaving
Biddeford Community Weaving

The River Loom

Built by Peter Anthony, Wells, ME

Biddeford Community Weaving
Biddeford Community Weaving

River Loom

Custom built loom by Peter Anthony of Wells. ME.

Recycled fabrics for weft.

Biddeford Community Weaving August 2021
Biddeford Community Weaving August 2021
Biddeford Community Weaving August 2021
Biddeford Community Weaving August 2021

The Mill Building Loom

Biddeford Community Weaving August 2021
Biddeford Community Weaving August 2021

The Mill Building Loom

Built by Peter Anthony, Wells, ME

Biddeford Community Weaving August 2021
Biddeford Community Weaving August 2021

The Mill Building Loom

Built by Peter Anthony.

Weft materials - recycled fabrics.

Biddeford Community Weaving August 2021
Biddeford Community Weaving August 2021

The Garden Loom

Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart

Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart
Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart

An interactive global art project inspired by Tibetan prayer flags, Shinto paper prayers and the Buddhist concept of impermanence.

Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart
Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart

This project was design so that anyone anywhere in the world could participate by sending me a message of positive intent - written or drawn on paper, cloth or ribbon.

Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart
Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart

Messages came from all corner of the world.

Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart
Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart

Messages even came from Afghanistan, written on a torn pillow case.

Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart
Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart

Messages came for all ages of people.

Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart
Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart

Each message was read out loud in Market Square Portsmouth, NH.

Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart
Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart

These messages were then read out loud in Market Square, Portsmouth, NH.

Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart
Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart

Reading the messages.

Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart
Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart

All of the messages were read out loud - at 12 public readings in Market Square, Portsmouth, NH over 4 years.

Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart
Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart

Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart
Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart

Messages were read by community volunteers, up to 150 at some readings!

Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart
Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart

After each messages was read out loud, it was cut into strips and woven into a small prayer flag.

Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart
Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart

Weavers were community volunteers of all ages and backgrounds.

Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart
Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart

I have four looms set up in my studio for folks to weave the prayer flags.

Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart
Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart

Weaving the flags was simple - so that anyone could do it!

Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart
Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart

We had many generations of families come to weave.

Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart
Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart

Over 1,350 prayer flags were woven by community volunteers.

Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart
Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart

After the flags were woven they were sewn by a three community volunteers, so that they could be hung side by side.

Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart
Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart

After the flags were woven and sewn, there were sent out all over the world.

Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart in Bali.
Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart in Bali.

As the flags were completed, I sent them out to those who sent me messages.

Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart
Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart

The prayer flags are meant to be hung outside so that the messages of hope and peace can travel on the wind - in the spirit of Tibetan prayer flags.

Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart at Mt. Kilamanjaro.
Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart at Mt. Kilamanjaro.

Flags also went with friends and others to foreign lands to spread the good will.

Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart
Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart

Flags were sent to 25 foreign lands and over 33 states.

Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart
Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart

Hanging on mountain tops and river valleys.

Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart
Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart

Glacier Park, Montana.

Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart
Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart

The Gambia, Africa

Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart
Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart

At an ashram in India.

Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart
Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart

Over 1,350 flags were distributed all over the world.

Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart
Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart

Each flag was lovingly touched by many hands before it was sent out to the world.

Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart
Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart

Each flag was woven with love and good will for all.

Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart
Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart

Many of these flags are still hanging, spreading their good energy.

Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart
Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart

As the flags deteriorate, they remind us, that we too are impermanent.

Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart
Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart

May all being know peace.

May all beings be well.

Mandala Community Weaving

The Mandala Community Weaving Project was created and designed by artist Sarah Haskell.

It has been presented to audiences of every age group and ability. As a visual symbol of community, the project has been offered in hospitals, schools, nursery schools, community organizations and festivals.

Mandala Community Weaving
Mandala Community Weaving

HISTORY

Mandala means 'circle' in the Sanskrit language. Mandala art refers to symbols that are created in a circular design. Many cultures around the world and throughout time have used the mandala as vehicle for self expression, and spiritual transformation. Tibetan Buddhists have employed the mandala shape for thousands of years to illustrate their deities. Navajo sand painters use them in their healing rites, and the well known Native American “Dream Catcher” is a form of mandala. Many native people use the Medicine Wheel, a mandala form, to connect to earth energies and the wisdom of nature.

Mandala Community Weaving Mashpee, MA 2010
Mandala Community Weaving Mashpee, MA 2010

A Mandala is a symbol of community: the people and environment.

Mandala Community Weaving
Mandala Community Weaving

The shape of the circle lends an experience of wholeness. The center of the circle radiates a symmetrical design. This suggests there is a center within each of us to which everything is related, by which everything is ordered, and is one source of our energy and power. Virtually every spiritual and religious system asserts the reality of such an inner center.

Mandala Community Weaving
Mandala Community Weaving

As a creative process, each Mandala Community Weaving project grows from the spirit of the group that creates it. From the colors of the weaving, to the representations of people, to the shapes of woven areas, to the texture of the weaving, the completed Mandala Community Weaving is a true reflection and celebration of each community.

Mandala Community Weaving - detail
Mandala Community Weaving - detail

Weaving is a simple metaphor for community. To build a weaving we bring separate materials together in a patterned structure. One of the advantages of this weaving project is that it can be accomplished by people of all mental or physical abilities and ages. It can be created in one day or worked on over a period of weeks.

Mandala Community Weaving
Mandala Community Weaving

Once completed it can be added to again and again. There are subtle variations in color and materials that make each Mandala Community Weaving unique and a reflection of the community

Mandala Community Weaving
Mandala Community Weaving

The project is composed of three units.

~~ The mandala circular loom is the base for the project and is made from flexible plastic tubing. This loom is hand-made is woven with strips of fabric or felt for the weft.

Mandala Community Weaving
Mandala Community Weaving

Every participant is invited to weave the weft on the circular loom.

 The second part of the Mandala Community Weaving Project is the clothespin people. Each person participating in the project is encouraged to create a self portrait of themselves using an old-fashioned wooden clothes pin, assorted fabrics, notions an

The second part of the Mandala Community Weaving Project is the clothespin people. Each person participating in the project is encouraged to create a self portrait of themselves using an old-fashioned wooden clothes pin, assorted fabrics, notions and collage materials.

Mandala Community Weaving - the clothes pin people
Mandala Community Weaving - the clothes pin people

Each of us is a unique individual.

Mandala Community Weaving - the clothes pin people
Mandala Community Weaving - the clothes pin people

Our little clothes pin people become a representation of us on the completed Mandala Community Weaving.

Mandala Community Weaving - the clothes pin people
Mandala Community Weaving - the clothes pin people

Sometimes these little people are more fantasy than reality!

Mandala Community Weaving
Mandala Community Weaving

The third part of the Mandala Community Weaving Project is a ribbon that each participant writes their name and a hope or a dream on.

Mandala Community Weaving
Mandala Community Weaving

These ribbons are glued to the bottom of the circular loom to create a fringe and a way for each participant to sign the work.

Mandala Community Weaving
Mandala Community Weaving

The ribbons with messages of hope and dreams, signed by each participant.

Mandala Community Weaving
Mandala Community Weaving

When the weaving is completed these clothes pin people are glued around the edge of the mandala loom to create a ring of people circling the loom.

Mandala Community Weaving
Mandala Community Weaving

Assembled together, the Mandala Community Weaving Project is a true reflection and celebration of community spirit.

Mandala Community Weaving
Mandala Community Weaving

When the Mandala Community Weaving is completed participants are excited to see themselves within this creative community.

Mandala Community Weaving
Mandala Community Weaving

These Mandala Community Weavings have been done with as many as 450 participants and as few as 5.

Mandala Community Weaving
Mandala Community Weaving

Each Mandala is beautiful, whole and a true reflection of the community that made it.

arizona.mandalas.jpg

Caught Between Us

Caught Between Us
Caught Between Us

Recycled shrimp and fish net, bait bags and rubber fish lures.

21’ by 11’

June - October 2010

Commissioned by the City Of Portsmouth NH. A temporary installation on the Hanover Street parking garage.

Caught Between Us - detail
Caught Between Us - detail

A bridge is a connector that joins two physical or figurative entities together. The Memorial Bridge spans the shores between the city of Portsmouth NH and the village of Kittery ME. It links the lives, businesses and culture of both communities.

Caught Between Us - detail of installation process
Caught Between Us - detail of installation process

The Piscataqua River is what divides our two shores and also what unites them. My proposal for Art Speak’s 2010 Over Night Art was founded in the concept that what separates us (the river) is also what brings us together.

Caught Between Us - detail
Caught Between Us - detail

This piece celebrates and honors the folks who work in these waters and utilizes materials fundamental to their trade. Gathering fish and shrimp nets from New Hampshire and Maine fishermen, I created an installation for downtown Portsmouth.

Built from these colorful recycled nets (ones that do not meet Federal regulations and are not usable by the industry any longer), this installation was draped down the façade of the Hanover Street parking garage, covering the stairwell window.

Caught Between Us - installation process
Caught Between Us - installation process
Caught Between Us - installation proces
Caught Between Us - installation proces

“Man did not weave the web of life; he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself. All things are bound together. All things connect.” (Chief Seattle's Letter to All, 1854)”.

My piece pays tribute to the fact that the Memorial Bridge, web-like in its construction, binds our communities together. By soliciting the help and support of the fishing industry from both shores, I engaged people who might not ordinarily be involved in art. In this fashion, art became a bridge between the people of the Seacoast.

Caught Between Us - installation process
Caught Between Us - installation process

Watching the city maintenance crew install the piece was amazing!

Caught Between Us - detail
Caught Between Us - detail

Light filtered through the netting to create shadows as well as blended colors. The work changed as the sun moved over it.

Caught Between Us - detail
Caught Between Us - detail

The installation process required that the piece be stretch out along the brick sidewalk.

Caught Between Us
Caught Between Us

Installed at Town Dock #1 York, Maine on the Fish Shed.

Caught Between Us
Caught Between Us

Installed at Town Dock #1 York, Maine on the Fish Shed.

Caught Between Us
Caught Between Us

Installed at Town Dock #1 York, Maine on the Fish Shed.

Thank You Letters

Thank You Letters: An Alphabet of Gratitude is a project that was conceived in a marine supply store which stocks everything from shrimp netting, to rubber lures, bait bags, ropes and all kinds of fishing gear.

These brilliantly colored, plastic flags (lobster buoy markers) caught my eye as a blank canvas, ready for stitching and fabric collage.

Phase one: Stitch the 26 letters of the alphabet while meditating on what I am grateful for in my own life. (completed in 2016)

Phase two: Take these 26 letters to public places and ask people to spell what they are thankful for, taking photos of all participants. (in process).

What are you thankful for??

Sarah D. Haskell
York, Maine

Thank You Letters: An Alphabet of Gratitude
Thank You Letters: An Alphabet of Gratitude

Thank you letters: An Alphabet of Gratitude is a project that was conceived in a marine supply store which stocks everything from shrimp netting, to rubber lures, bait bags, ropes and all kinds of fishing gear.

Thank You Letters: An Alphabet of Gratitude
Thank You Letters: An Alphabet of Gratitude

These brilliantly colored, plastic flags (lobster buoy markers) caught my eye as a blank canvas, ready for stitching and fabric collage.

Thank You Letters: An Alphabet of Gratitude
Thank You Letters: An Alphabet of Gratitude

Phase one - stitch the 26 letters of the alphabet while meditating on what I am grateful for in my own life. (completed in 2016)

Thank You Letters: An Alphabet of Gratitude
Thank You Letters: An Alphabet of Gratitude

What are you thankful for??

Thank You Letters: An Alphabet of Gratitude
Thank You Letters: An Alphabet of Gratitude
Thank You Letters: An Alphabet of Gratitude
Thank You Letters: An Alphabet of Gratitude
Thank You Letters: An Alphabet of Gratitude
Thank You Letters: An Alphabet of Gratitude

Phase two - take these 26 letters to public places and ask people to spell what they are thankful for, taking photos of all participants. (in process).

Thank You Letters: An Alphabet of Gratitude
Thank You Letters: An Alphabet of Gratitude

Each letter is 7” square

Installation Dimensions - variable

2012 - 14 and on-going

Thank you letters: An Alphabet of Gratitude is a project that was conceived in a marine supply store which stocks everything from shrimp netting, to rubber lures, bait bags, ropes and all kinds of fishing gear.

Thank You Letters: An Alphabet of Gratitude
Thank You Letters: An Alphabet of Gratitude

Letter Z was completed as I was traveling to India for a 8 week pilgrimage. It was fun to travel with this flag, talk about gratitude and document my trip with it.

Thank You Letters: An Alphabet of Gratitude
Thank You Letters: An Alphabet of Gratitude

Letter Z in India with school children.

Thank You Letters: An Alphabet of Gratitude
Thank You Letters: An Alphabet of Gratitude

Letter Z with school girls in Tamil Nadu, India

Thank You Letters: An Alphabet of Gratitude
Thank You Letters: An Alphabet of Gratitude

Letter Z in India with a goat!

Tree of Life

Tree of Life - detail
Tree of Life - detail

The hopes of the future are represented by the upwardly extending branches.

The leaves represent our individual spirits.

Tree of Life
Tree of Life

Hand-dyed and woven linen, cotton, silk and rayon

84” by 48”

2010

A commissioned piece to honor the life of Kathy Krasker Ramras. Installed at Temple Israel, Portsmouth, NH. Dedicated on July 16, 2010.

The Tree of Life is an ancient symbol present in many cultures and spiritual traditions. In my version I seek to honor life and to illustrate the continuum of the past, present and the future.

Tree of Life - detail
Tree of Life - detail

The golden vine that weaves up the tree is the Divine love that connects all human beings.

Tree of Life - detail
Tree of Life - detail

The lessons and wisdom of the past are represented by the deep roots of the tree.

Tree of Life
Tree of Life

Kathy Krasker Ramras, many times while working on this piece I felt your presence in my studio.

Thread by thread, this artwork is a physical prayer to celebrate and honor your life ~ the past, the present and the future.

Kathy~ daughter, wife, mother, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, friend, you are golden vine of love, the thread of life that weaves through each of us and binds our hearts together.

Each One: The Button Project A 9/11 Memorial

A community art work that uses thousands of used buttons to represent lives lost.

Each One: The Button Project   A 9/11 Memorial - - detail
Each One: The Button Project A 9/11 Memorial - - detail

There are 3,116 buttons in the lower portion of the piece. And 19 buttons in the upper triangle - that are placed to mimic stars in the sky.

Each One: The Button Project   A 9/11 Memorial
Each One: The Button Project A 9/11 Memorial

After 9/11, I wanted to create “something that stays, while the memories fade.”

The result was “Each One: The Button Project,” an artwork that now stands in City Council Chambers at City Hall, where it was recently reinstalled after being on loan to the September 11th Memorial and Museum in New York City.

This piece is 9’10” tall and 4’4” wide.

Donated buttons
Donated buttons

On October 15, 2001 I sent an email to friends and colleagues requesting small white buttons for an art project.

Over the next 6 months I received over 8,000 buttons of all colors and sizes!

Button Project design
Button Project design

In November I began to design the piece. I wanted it to be bigger than human scale, I wanted viewers to be forced to look up. I wanted it to be a simple black cloth with white buttons, perhaps to feel like a shroud.

Button project sampling
Button project sampling

I wove samples, played with a simple grid pattern to help the button sewing to be easier.

Button Project on the loom
Button Project on the loom

I dyed the linen and then set up the loom to weave the fabric.

Button Sewers
Button Sewers

After the fabric was woven, I invited community members to come to my studio and help me sew on the 3,116 buttons.

Buttons ready to be sewn on
Buttons ready to be sewn on

The hand-woven fabric has a slight grid which made it easy for anyone to sew on the buttons.

I the original design I created a grid for sewing on 4500 buttons to represent lives lost on 9/11. Fortunately the death count was reduced to just over 3,000. I puzzled over how to accommodate this adjusted count into my design.

Button Sewers
Button Sewers

I played around with the numbers and layout possibilities. At the suggestion of my husband Ben, I calculated leaving out the appropriate number of buttons in the center.

This change created the Twin Towers. This was a serendipitous design leap that reinforced my belief in trusting the mysterious and often circuitous path of art making.

Button Sewers
Button Sewers

For ten days over 25 community volunteers came to my studio to sew buttons.

Each One: The Button Project   A 9/11 Memorial
Each One: The Button Project A 9/11 Memorial

As I struggled to process my own confusion and grief, I discovered I had unknowingly tapped into a common heartache, and much to my surprise helped a larger community process sorrow and loss.

The creation of "Each One: the Button Project, a 9/11 Memorial" was a pathway to heal my own wounds from the events of 9/11/01, but in turn allowed for a larger community to mend and process this tragic incident.

Each One: The Button Project   A 9/11 Memorial
Each One: The Button Project A 9/11 Memorial

The Button Project was purchased as a gift for the City of Portsmouth NH, where it is on permanent display in City Hall Chambers.

This piece has won several awards and been exhibited at several national locations - most importantly it was on loan to the September 11th Memorial Museum in NYC from 2017-19.

WHITE FLAG

WHITE FLAG
WHITE FLAG

A community art project that explores openness, courage and transformation through investigation, observation, creativity, conversation and reflection.

If we are going to survive as a species, as a planet, we need to find ways to come together peacefully, to listen and to be vulnerable. The WHITE FLAG community art project builds on that concept using the white flag as a platform to explore creative dialogue across divisions of opinion, as a pathway to uncover common threads and as a foundation to forge creative solutions.

WHITE FLAG
WHITE FLAG

The centerpiece of this project -- a WHITE FLAG – has been recognized for centuries as a symbol not only for surrender but also a wish for peace, the willingness to have a civil conversation and to thoughtfully listen. Partnering with local institutions such as a town library The WHITE FLAG project will collect used clean, recycled white cloth from bedding or clothing. Local volunteers will cut this cloth into strips about 2” wide by at least 24” long. These white cloth strips along with slips of white paper, will be used to write and draw upon – responding to WHITE FLAG prompts, questions and suggestions. Such as:

How do you make friends with someone who is different than you? Why might it be important to do this?

What or who might you want to make peace with?

How do you make peace?

What brings a community together?

What do you and your neighbors share?

What or who do you love?

What do you think makes good conversation?

How do you open the door to a conversation with someone who you have disagreements with? Why might it be important to have a conversation with that someone?

What’s at stake? What do you risk by opening this door?

What do you hope that a WHITE FLAG might achieve?

Can a WHITE FLAG symbolize something other than surrender? Can it symbolize strength? Or perhaps a first step towards good will? Not necessarily an act of weakness but strength?

How can conversations help bridge the gap of differing opinions and beliefs? How will you start that conversation?

Tell me a story about your childhood.

WHITE FLAG
WHITE FLAG

How do you open the door to a conversation with someone who you have disagreements with? Why might it be important to have a conversation with that someone?

Can a WHITE FLAG symbolize something other than surrender? Can it symbolize strength? Or perhaps a first step towards good will? Not necessarily an act of weakness but strength?

How can conversations help bridge the gap of differing opinions and beliefs? How will you start that conversation?

WHITE FLAG
WHITE FLAG

Participants will be invited to write and draw upon small white survey flags to take home. These flags can be available at the library site to write on/decorate – and used as an outdoor installation (on the library lawn). These small survey flags are inexpensive and so participants can take several home to fly in their own yard – to indicate they are open to a respectful conversation, that their home is a place where people speak and listen, forging new connections, moving relationships towards healing.

WHITE FLAG
WHITE FLAG

The project can be promoted by simply installing several white flags around town – flags that are a banner with project description and where/how to participate. Using easily identifiable language/text and imagery, these flags can be both large or small -- to be displayed a variety of places (local store/post office bulletin board, library entryway, etc)

WHITE FLAG
WHITE FLAG

My hope is to see hundreds of WHITE FLAGS (large woven ones and small survey ones) flying in front yards, along the road, in gardens and on porches, with messages of peace, healthy communication - highlighting our common threads and shared vision.

Through curiosity, action, listening, observation, responding and reflection the WHITE FLAG project aspires to transcend conflict and transform communities.

BE YOU

"BE YOU"
"BE YOU"

26 recycled T-shirts with the alphabet sewn onto them - an installation fo the Children’s Museum of NH in Dover. 2014

"Be You"
"Be You"

Working soon this installion in my driveway.

26 recycled T-shirts with the alphabet sewn onto them - an installation fo the Children’s Museum of NH in Dover. 2014

"Be You"
"Be You"

26 recycled T-shirts with the alphabet sewn onto them - an installation fo the Children’s Museum of NH in Dover. 2014

"Be You"
"Be You"

26 recycled T-shirts with the alphabet sewn onto them - an installation fo the Children’s Museum of NH in Dover. 2014

"BE YOU"
"BE YOU"

Temporarily hanging in my head to test it out.

26 recycled T-shirts with the alphabet sewn onto them - an installation fo the Children’s Museum of NH in Dover. 2014

2014-05-29 12.14.33.jpg

Izzy's Winter

Izzy's Art Installation - Mandala - plastic utensils, orange slices, styrofoam balls, etc
Izzy's Art Installation - Mandala - plastic utensils, orange slices, styrofoam balls, etc

In the winter of 2014 I tag teamed with two other artists to create a round robin series of art works. We each had a day to build upon the previous artist’s installation Then our piece was up for about week. This went on for about a month in an empty store front window in Portsmouth NH during the winter of 2014. We each had three turns to crate a window display.

Izzy's Winter Installation
Izzy's Winter Installation

In the winter of 2014 I tag teamed with two other artists to create a round robin series of art works. We each had a day to build upon the previous artist’s installation Then our piece was up for about week. This went on for about a month in an empty store front window in Portsmouth NH during the winter of 2014. We each had three turns to crate a window display.

Izzy's Winter Installation  - Mandala
Izzy's Winter Installation - Mandala

In the winter of 2014 I tag teamed with two other artists to create a round robin series of art works. We each had a day to build upon the previous artist’s installation Then our piece was up for about week. This went on for about a month in an empty store front window in Portsmouth NH during the winter of 2014. We each had three turns to crate a window display.

Izy's Winter Installation - snowflakes and mobiles
Izy's Winter Installation - snowflakes and mobiles

In the winter of 2014 I tag teamed with two other artists to create a round robin series of art works. We each had a day to build upon the previous artist’s installation Then our piece was up for about week. This went on for about a month in an empty store front window in Portsmouth NH during the winter of 2014. We each had three turns to crate a window display.

Izzy's Winter Installation - snowflakes, branches, lights, insects and mobiles
Izzy's Winter Installation - snowflakes, branches, lights, insects and mobiles

In the winter of 2014 I tag teamed with two other artists to create a round robin series of art works. We each had a day to build upon the previous artist’s installation Then our piece was up for about week. This went on for about a month in an empty store front window in Portsmouth NH during the winter of 2014. We each had three turns to crate a window display.

Izzy's Winter Installation - rotating mobile made from plastic spoons
Izzy's Winter Installation - rotating mobile made from plastic spoons

In the winter of 2014 I tag teamed with two other artists to create a round robin series of art works. We each had a day to build upon the previous artist’s installation Then our piece was up for about week. This went on for about a month in an empty store front window in Portsmouth NH during the winter of 2014. We each had three turns to crate a window display.

Izzy's Winter Installation - peek a boo window with stenciled birds and branches
Izzy's Winter Installation - peek a boo window with stenciled birds and branches

In the winter of 2014 I tag teamed with two other artists to create a round robin series of art works. We each had a day to build upon the previous artist’s installation Then our piece was up for about week. This went on for about a month in an empty store front window in Portsmouth NH during the winter of 2014. We each had three turns to crate a window display.

Izzy's Installation - stencils and sticks
Izzy's Installation - stencils and sticks

In the winter of 2014 I tag teamed with two other artists to create a round robin series of art works. We each had a day to build upon the previous artist’s installation Then our piece was up for about week. This went on for about a month in an empty store front window in Portsmouth NH during the winter of 2014. We each had three turns to crate a window display.

Izzy's Winter Installation - peek a boo cut out with interior view
Izzy's Winter Installation - peek a boo cut out with interior view

In the winter of 2014 I tag teamed with two other artists to create a round robin series of art works. We each had a day to build upon the previous artist’s installation Then our piece was up for about week. This went on for about a month in an empty store front window in Portsmouth NH during the winter of 2014. We each had three turns to crate a window display.

prev / next
Back to Public and Community Art
Immigration Community Art Project
11
Immigration Community Art Project
Monson Magic!
9
Monson Arts Community Weaving
10
SWADDLE
Well Used, Well Loved
20
Well Used, Well Loved
Biddeford Blooms August 2021 - August 2022
15
Biddeford Blooms
Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart
33
Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart
Mandala Community Weaving
21
Mandala Community Weaving
Caught Between Us
12
Caught Between Us
Thank You Letters: An Alphabet of Gratitude
12
Thank You Letters: An Alphabet of Gratitude
Tree of Life - detail
5
Tree of Life
Each One: The Button Project   A 9/11 Memorial - - detail
12
Each One: The Button Project A 9/11 Memorial
WHITE FLAG
6
WHITE FLAG
"BE YOU"
6
BE YOU
Izzy's Art Installation - Mandala - plastic utensils, orange slices, styrofoam balls, etc
9
Izzy's Winter

© 2001–2021 Sarah Haskell. All rights reserved.