Women and Water

Women and Water: Woven Portraits from Around the World is a traveling exhibition featuring handwoven jacquard portraits by artist Mary Burns that honor women who work with, protect, and advocate for water across the globe. Representing scientists, activists, educators, and Indigenous water protectors, these powerful textile works explore the deep connections between women and water and invite viewers to reflect on their own relationship to this vital resource. 

The exhibit will be on display on the Petoskey District Library’s second floor August 27-October 15, 2026 alongside related programs, docent-led tours, book displays, and community conversations that highlight themes of water, environmental stewardship, and women’s voices from around the world. 

Partners making this possible: Michigan League of Handweavers, Mary Elliott Rapin Fund, Holder Family Foundation Fund, and the Fund for the Community of the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation, and the Water is Life Festival.

The Crooked Tree Arts Center is hosting the artist Mary Burns at their Coffee @ Ten series and will present the exhibit Women + Water: Life Bearers, Teachers, Storytellers in their Atrium Gallery September 12-October 17.

More information about programming related to the exhibit can be found on this brochure, or by visiting our Event Calendar. 

To arrange a docent-led tour, call or text Mary C. at 231-622-2677. Tours are available during Library hours.

For answers to some of your questions, check out this Frequently Asked Questions sheet.