Kammy Downs of Hays, KS, will be the Artist in Residence at the Red Barn Studio Museum, Sunday, July 26 through Sunday, Aug 2. “For this week,” she says, “I plan to complete mixed-media works on fiber and paper that explore growth through separation and pulling-apart through fraying, rupturing, disrupting and severing. Seeds, tubers, roots, and plants are metaphor for growth, change, and unseen aspects in life. The plant world is gentle and patient with humanity; whispering the mystery of the spiritual while giving beauty and healing. The daily showing up to work on a surface is metaphor for working with soil and seeds; mind and heart. Formally, my work connects with feminine qualities of using traditional feminist materials. I work with the surface of paper and fabric to express the subtle magic called growth. Lenox paper allows the 6H pencil to impress it creating a metaphor for working with soil and tender hearts of children. I work in a large format to create an atmosphere of mystery; to awe-inspire respect of the natural world.” Kammy Downs received a Bachelor of Science in Art Education from Emporia State University.  She is a graduate student at Ft Hays State University, earning a Master of Fine Arts in Drawing.  She has written public art grants, two of which included work with internationally known artists, Stan Herd and Shin-hee Chin. Her artworks may be seen on Kammy’s Art Facebook page, https://www.instagram.com/kammydowns/, or on her website kammydowns.myportfolio.com