Myth Makers Bamboo Birds

2022

About The Myth Makers

The collaboration between Dodson and Moerlein is born from a mutual love of the wild. Dodson takes inspiration from the mysterious nature of birds that spark her imagination. Moerlein takes inspiration from events in the natural world that leave visual marks and strike a narrative chord in the artist. Although monumental in scale, these ephemeral works are temporary in nature. Made from natural materials, they are site specific, and respond to their local audience. Meaning to only last 3-5 years, they appear, fade, and disappear, adding a chapter to the life stories in their communities.

The Myth Makers have completed over 50 projects in the past 11 years in 16 states, plus Peru, Switzerland, China and Taiwan. Their work has won national awards and state recognition. In 2021, The State of New Jersey Senate and General Assembly issued a Citation of praise and commendation to the Phoenix Festival for bringing honor and pride to the city of Camden as part of A New View Camden. In 2017, The Dance was highlighted in the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum’s award for the 2017 National Medal for Museum Service. The award is presented annually by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. In 2015, the State of Michigan gave a Special Tribute to the Avian Avatars, which were selected as one of Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce's 2015 Agents of Change by the House of Representatives in the State of Michigan. In 2015, Artnet and the Huffington Post named The Myth Maker’s public art project, Avian Avatars, the most beautiful art show in New York City.

Dodson is a graduate of Wellesley College (BA) and is currently a Visiting Scholar at the Brandeis University Women's Studies Research Center. Moerlein is a graduate of Dartmouth College (BA) and Cornell University (MFA) and a life long art educator from primary ages to adults.