This is the moment I’ve been waiting for, Sept. 8, 2020! Today is opening day of the show “Paper Works: The Art of Paper” at the Mansion at Strathmore in Bethesda, Maryland.

My 18 foot long by 12 feet high exhibit titled, “Charming Victorian Country Garden Retreat,” is featured in this amazing show at Strathmore. I am so honored and thrilled to be a part of the show.

After working on this piece for 1.5 years, it is so exciting to finally see my installation all come together into one large-scale exhibition. I built the paper sculpture art in small sections, so to see it all pulled together as I had conceptualized it after so long is really something.

The installation is made out of paper, from the painted brick walls, to the white paper siding, wicker table and chair and of course all the furry critters that have become a part of this retreat. I hope my art helps to remind us the importance of enjoying the simple moments and joy we can find when we retreat into these moments.

In this exhibit it may be the chirping of the baby robin or watching the playfulness of the kitten or corgi playing on the porch. And if you look closely within this setting, in this habitat, you will find ladybugs, butterflies, cocoons and a praying mantis to name just a few — all the things that enrich the habitats we find ourselves in every day.

I can’t wait to show you my work. You can get a sense in the photos below. Plus, over the next several weeks, I will be blogging about the process and include some behind-the-scenes videos and photos. Please keep checking back for more.

I would also love for you to see “Charming Victorian Country Garden Retreat” in person. For information about visiting, check out the show’s official page on the Strathmore website here. And don’t forget to join us for a free virtual art reception on Thursday, Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. ET.