Phase I was accomplished in August 2025. We engaged 7 artists to participate in an artist residency and public art exhibition where the art was made from biodegradable materials and installed at the Whetstone metropark in conjunction with the Columbus ArborFest. Over two weeks, we facilitated a 3-day residency and produced a public exhibition and panel discussion that drew over 2500 attendees and birthed key stakeholder relationships.

In this second phase, we are collaborating with The OSU Living Art & Ecology Lab and the City of Columbus’ Division of Real Estate and Land Redevelopment to lease two urban plots for three years to grow multiple strains of flax and add to the data sets already being conducted by the Rust Belt Fibershed on whether flax is a suitable option to grow for land remediation. We are also incorporating memorial land art in the form of an earth amphitheater that will incorporate natural stones to welcome the public for exploration and reflection. From the Flax we are collaborating with paper maker Jamie Hoye to make paper for a public Art Exhibition. 

Phase III  will expand the project by acquiring larger pieces of land to incorporate land regeneration, more memorial land art, and revitalization of the cemetery as a place of transition for loved ones as well as a transition space to nurture the living.