Porscha is a multidisciplinary artist with a background in painting and drawing. Originally from the Alaskan interior, she received her Bachelors of Fine Art from the Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design in Colorado and her Masters of Fine Art from the University of New Orleans in Louisiana where she currently resides working in garden design & planting, and Mardi Gras float artistry.

After 20+ years in education, I am following a new path as an artist. I am inspired by nature and as an avid gardener, the botanical garden is my creative muse. Last summer I had the pleasure of spending an afternoon painting in the garden and the experience has stuck with me. I was and still am captivated by plants I discovered, such as the size and scale of the Shieldleaf Rodgersia leaves and the color and texture of the Purple Perilla. I am eager to explore a new medium.

Katherine Haghighi is a writer with a love of storytelling about living and grieving. For her, there is no separation. She is passionate about recognizing compelling moments that inspire and provoke what living life is all about. Katherine lives in Anchorage where she and her husband have chosen to raise their 3 daughters and 4 pugs.

Paris Morthorpe is a hand embroidery artist with a particular love for botanical gardens. Studying at the Royal School of Needlework in London, she earned three advanced diplomas in technical hand embroidery. Her pieces have been on display in Alexandra Palace and Hampton Court Palace in London, Harrogate, Yorkshire and Dublin, Ireland. One of her embroideries was featured in two RSN publications. Utilizing multiple embroidery techniques and materials she creates realistic and fanciful botanical themed designs.

During her residency at ABG, Paris demonstrated the use of eight separate embroidery techniques using the same motif to illustrate the variety that is possible with this unique artistic method. The artist used her residency time to explore the variety of naturally occurring and cultivated plants at the ABG, drawing inspiration for her latest garden themed embroidery pieces.

Paris hopes that others can become interested in the unique art from of hand embroidery by viewing the limitless possibilities that can be depicted by needle and thread.

Myesha Callahan Freet is inspired by nature. She leverages its impermanence by experimenting with ephemeral art through alternative photography. Myesha is based in Chugiak AK, where she is a visual and performance artist, photographer, and figure model.

While in residence at the Alaska Botanical Garden Myesha will explore ephemeral art making through lumen prints, a method of creating experimental, camera-less photographic images. This non-traditional practice is an accessible form of art making using photo paper and materials that can be found in nature. The images created will not be fixed in chemicals resulting in art that will eventually disappear with more exposure to UV light. This method speaks to the changing of the seasons and fleeting moments of life itself.

I’m a year and a half new to Alaska and am very much interested in all that is unique and special to this place. As a professional art educator by day, I find myself continuously inspired by my students, yet yearning for my own time and space to explore, reflect, research and produce my work. I’m grateful to have been selected for a summer residency at the Alaska Botanical Gardens and am looking forward to concentrating specifically on the depth and breadth of the local flora and fauna-allowing the Garden to inspire and guide me on a path to a new body of work.

My most recent body of ceramic sculptures, explore a curious collection of biomorphic forms. These forms are inspired by botany, entomology and human anatomy. Each is a hybrid form; an amalgamation of disparate parts resulting in a uniquely homogenized whole. The inside turns outside, the micro turns macro and the forms convey human attributes through poise and posture. Each piece possesses juxtaposing elements of protection and vulnerability much like us-as humans.

My name is Won Ro, and I am a nursing student at University of Alaska Anchorage. I have always enjoyed sketching and painting since I was little, but now I enjoy creating art much more because I believe it is healing for the artist to express and have a cathartic release. Additionally, viewers of art can also find solace or feel different emotions in seeing other artistic creations. This is why I believe everyone should find and explore their creative side. It is a great therapeutic exercise and experience.

I am excited to create new art by being inspired by the Alaska Botanical Garden. It is truly a privilege! Thank you to everyone involved who made this possible.