The Art of Connection: Martha Bird’s Sculptural Basketry

Martha Bird—a visual artist specializing in sculptural basketry—understands the powerful role art can play in shaping communities and enriching individual lives. For more than 30 years, she has deepened her artistic practice, with a particular focus on weaving and basketry. This journey has taken her around the world, where she explored variations of basketry across different regions and cultures. These travels served as opportunities for research, learning, and skill development, expanding both her technical expertise and artistic perspective.

In 2016, Martha shifted her practice inward, moving toward the creation of abstract sculptural forms. Since then, her work has continued to evolve and gain recognition. She has received support through multiple Minnesota State Arts Board grants and has exhibited her work across the United States. Her art is also held in museum and private collections. In Minnesota, Martha was featured in the Star Tribune Magazine as part of the 2020 feature, “The Wonders of Weaving.”

Community remains central to Martha’s artistic practice. She is deeply engaged as a presenter, art organizer, teaching artist, curator, and consultant throughout Minnesota, sharing her knowledge and fostering creative connections.

With support from the Minnesota PROMISE Act, Martha can continue growing her business and sustaining her artistic practice. Grant funds will help her achieve key business goals, including paying rent for her art studio and expanding opportunities to share her work with the community. As Martha shared, the PROMISE Act “will help my business continue to exist and to provide access to the arts in my community.”

To learn more about Martha Bird and her artwork, visit her website at: https://www.marthabirdart.com/.