Drawn from the River
Charcoal Experiments with Kimberly Wetzel
A project of the Art & Water Micro Residency supported by A House Unbuilt
May 9 – June 7, 2026
Micro Residency: Charcoal Experiments with Kimberly Wetzel
Open Studio: Saturdays, Noon – 4pm
During her time in residence, Kimberly will be creating a series of abstract charcoal drawings utilizing an experimental charcoal pouring process. These drawings will be inspired by the landscape around Stillwater, with a focus on the St. Croix River and native plant life. She will be spending time walking along river trails ethically foraging for materials to use in the creation of her work along with visual reference for her drawings.
May 23 & 24, 2026 | 2-4pm
Charcoal Pouring Workshop with Resident Artist Kimberly Wetzel
This two-part workshop will cover the the charcoal pouring process and experimental drawing techniques. We will spend the first session learning how to charcoal pour and creating unique textures on paper. The second session will utilize collage techniques to create landscapes out of our charcoal pours. Participants will leave the workshop with several completed pieces.
10 participants max, must attend both sessions
June 5 – 7, 2026; Friday, 5 – 8pm; Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Art Opener Studio Tour / River Days of Action featuring Resident Artist Kimberly Wetzel
Kimberly will be presenting an exhibition of her work created during her residency with House Unbuilt. She will have drawings on display along with a site-activation inspired by the St. Croix River. There will also be a craft area where you can collage your own mini-drawings as well as try her drawing techniques out for yourself.
Kimberly’s reading list:
“Wild Vegetation: From Art to Nature” by Paul Z Rotterdam
A great collection of interviews, essays, and lectures investigating art and nature. I often reference the sections on abstract art and the creative process.
“Language of the Cottonwoods: Essays on the Future of North Dakota” by Clay Jenkinson
My favorite book on North Dakota – the place I grew up and the landscape that heavily inspires my work. Funny and informative, this book discusses hidden gems, spirit of place, cultural identity and conservation practices.
“Devotions” by Mary Oliver
Sweet, somber, beautiful reflections on the natural world. These poems were a daily gratitude practice for me for many months and a book I reference often for inspiration.
“James Castle: Memory Palace” by John Beardsley
James Castle has become one of my biggest inspirations, not only his artwork but the ways in which he maintained a creative practice.
Residency Reads:
“Disordered Attention: How We Look at Art and Performance Today” by Claire Bishop
“Art of the Spectacle” by Guy Debord
I am interested in learning how the attention economy has shifted how we engage with art and start integrating practices to combat this current cultural challenge in my own life.
