Working Girl in every issue
Higher Grounds Photography
kimberly
washburn
KI MBERLY WASHBUR N, CURATO R O F ED U CATI O N
FOR THE FLO RENCE MUSEUM, recalls loving art since
childhood. “I would spend time with my grandparents each
summer on their farm in Oklahoma. In the evenings, my grandmother would sit beside me and teach me to work with my
hands. By her side, I learned to crochet and piece quilt squares
together by hand. This early experience grew into a love of
craft and fine art that has stayed with me throughout my life.”
Throughout her adolescence, Kimberly experimented with
sewing clothing and accessories. She also taught herself how
to knit. “Through my experience with knitting and crochet,
I developed a love of wool and natural fibers, preferring to
work with fiber that had a story. I believe my experiences on
my grandparents’ farm led to an appreciation of fiber that
had been responsibly and lovingly raised, whether [produced]
by plant or animal. Each fiber has a story that can be carried
on in the creation of works carefully sewn, spun, woven, knit,
or crocheted together.” Her favorite mediums with which
to work today are wheel-thrown ceramics and textile arts.
Kimberly is always eager to learn about other forms of art.
“Most recently, I have spent a lot of time studying Japanese
textiles including Shibori (the Japanese art of resist dyeing),
Sashiko (handstitched design), and Kasuri (Japanese ikat
weaving). I have spent many hours reading, studying, and
practicing the traditional techniques used by the Japanese…
including the use of natural indigo. This experimentation with
indigo has opened up the world of natural dyeing that I have
just begun to explore.”
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APRIL 2016
In 2007, Kimberly graduated from Francis Marion University with a Bachelor of Science in Art Education. While she taught
Visual Arts for five years in the public school system, Kimberly joined the Florence County Museum staff in 2012. “When I began
working at the museum, I had been interested in transitioning out of the classroom and into an open learning environment.”
As Curator of Education, Kimberly is responsible for designing and implementing all educational programming at the museum
for visitors ranging in age from preschool to elderly. There are many facets to this role, including: developing and teaching
classes, giving in-depth tours of the museum’s galleries, designing field trips for students, and creating engaging programs for
students with special needs. She is also in charge of facilitating professional development for highly-qualified teachers and
creating programs that meet the needs of a wide range of visitors. “I am also responsible for developing and maintaining the
museum’s Docent Program by training and managing volunteers that serve as tour guides and activity facilitators for visitors.”
According to Kimberly, the museum’s move to Downtown Florence has created a renewed interest and excitement in the
collections and exhibitions on display. “It has been exciting to watch visitors interact with art and history in a fresh way. Any
time I have the opportunity to make history come alive for a child, teach an adult to look at a painting in a meaningful way,
or provide opportunities for families to interact with each other through creative expression, I am reminded of the value of
cultural institutions like the Florence County Museum.”
Through the fond memories of her grandmother, her own personal experiences in studying different forms, and her work
at the museum, Kimberly has learned that life is her greatest piece of artwork. “Approaching each day with intention ality,
applying creative flexibility to difficult situations, giving mindful attention to each moment, constantly desiring to learn and
improve: the skill with which I apply these things to my life are the processes in creating my most important work of art.
These processes are sometimes hectic and messy, sometimes calm and orderly, sometimes executed well and other times
poorly, but the product is a creation that is fully me. My truest self -- an artwork in progress.”
Kimberly Washburn resides in Florence with her daughter, Bethany Williams. For more information on the Florence County
Museum, visit www.flocomuseum.org.
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