University of Minnesota Bell Museum: Wonder Exhibit

Interactive Diorama January-June 2026

I worked with the Bell Museum to create 6 life size felted animal sculptures: A black bear mom, her yearling, a pileated woodpecker, a posable painted box turtle, rainbow trout, and a blue jay.

The black bears were carved from foam before being covered in a wet felt layer, then a decorative top layer of highly detailed needle felting. The remaining critters were needle felted from wool and the birds were embellished with embroidery and silk details.

Minnesota State Fair Fine Arts Exhibit 2021

5'x 32"x 13" needle felted wool sculpture

2nd place in Textile/Fibers category

Minnesota Artists Association Award

First Glance Award and the Simon & Kain Family Award