She Magazine APRIL 2016 | Page 44

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.” 44 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. SHEMAGAZINE.COM