Art Maps By Kirsten Sparenborg

A Contemplation of the layers upon layers of a city block: soil, rock, garbage, treasures, plate tectonics, wind, water, glacial scrapes, urban design, acts of violence, acts of redemption, delight, kindness. Each block is a site of burden, accumulation of the millenia of natural forces and habitation. History scratches the surface, Archaeology substantiates its claims. Art invokes wonder. We are the Earth.

No Map can encapsulate this awesome lineage but making the maps offers an opportunity to ponder the depths. Watercolor, natural pigment (made by crushing rocks I foraged while out exploring with my kids), graphite and inks attempt to conjure this richness, employed in organic patterns against the human-made grid. Please enjoy making your own "swatch" map - each one is a "biopsy" of the exhibited Art Maps here. Then, see if you can match your swatch to the hanging map. Bonus points if you can name that city!

Artist Bio:

Trained as an architect, historian and urbanist, Kirsten Sparenborg (she/her) is drawn to both the structure and the sensory aspects of places. Using hand-drawn lines, paint and sometimes thread, she renders beloved Places as Art Maps for institutional clients as well as individuals and retail. She creates artwork in her home studio in Tacoma, Washington, alongside the Salish Sea and on the tribal home lands of the Puyallup and Coast Salish people.

Artist Opening:

Thursday, August 20th, 2026 from 5:30PM-7:30PM