“Finding Myself Again” by Amber Dohrenwend is one of the pieces on display at the “Permission Machine” exhibition at Bay College.

ESCANABA — Bay College has opened the exhibition “Permission Machine” that features the work of artist Amber Dohrenwend in the Hartwig Gallery on the Escanaba Bay College Campus. Her work will be on display until Dec. 5. Dohrenwend is a visual artist based in Marquette. She creates sculptures, installations, and assemblages with soft, organic curves and textures, made primarily from cast-off cardboard. The humble quality of the materials she utilizes serve to aid her in the exploration of themes surrounding community, connection, and transformation. Her work directs viewers’ attention to the under-recognized value of both relationships and material. She often works with nothing more than cardboard, a pair of scissors, and a stapler. “For more than a decade now, I have explored cardboard as a medium. I used to collect cardboard each week when my neighbors set out their weekly recycling, and I started making cardboard furniture, toys, and Halloween costumes for my children when they were young. I loved making things for them, It felt like something a mother should delight in and I very much did,” she said. “As my relationship to the material grew and so did my skill, I remember reaching a point when I felt I had something to say about cardboard as a medium. I also felt I had many things to say by communicating through it. What was difficult for me at that point was making art for art’s sake.” “I didn’t think I had any business doing it. I was fortunate to be encouraged and given opportunities to make work by many people who intuitively understood what I wanted to do but saw that I lacked confidence. During that time, I would often host pop-up cardboard play-days and workshops for children because I felt more comfortable giving permission to them to play, rather than giving permission to myself to create,” she said. “‘Permission Machine’ showcases a body of work that was made while reflecting on these ideas. I wanted to give form and shape to these ‘permission machines’ that have both helped and hindered me in my journey as an artist. I hope the viewer may similarly reflect on permission structures … and how we can be conscious of their power to shape both our creative life and spirit. For questions, email events@baycollege.edu or call 906-217-4040.