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Artist to present evening program Friday

An example of Loren Schwerd's art. Submitted photo

An example of Loren Schwerd's art. Submitted photo

South Rim Artist in Residence Loren Schwerd will present an evening program Friday at 7 p.m.

A mixed-media sculptor, Schwerd lives in New Orleans. During her presentation, Schwerd will show images of her powerful and poignant, found object, environmentally-inspired art work, and discuss the projects she's pursuing while in-residence at the south rim of Grand Canyon National Park.

After Hurricane Katrina floodwaters receded, shell-shocked, she walked around the devastated neighborhoods, collecting materials and objects to use in her sculptures. Just a block down from her own house she came across a destroyed African American beauty salon. There she found piles and piles of hair extensions that had been swept out of the building, which she took back to her studio.

During the Victorian era, it was very popular to snip a piece of a deceased loved-one's hair, which was often then fashioned into intricate and delicate jewelry, or mementos that were framed and hung on the wall. These were called "mourning jewelry."

Using this braiding and weaving technique, Schwerd used the hair extensions she found and created miniature versions (and one life-sized structure that you can see on her website, www.lorenschwerd.com) of some of the post-Katrina devastated homes in her neighborhood, using photos as references. One of these powerful and poignant pieces is featured on this flier.

Schwerd is currently showing some of her newer work in the Grand Canyon Park Headquarters lobby through Jan. 27.


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