Cultivate the Possible
Artist Statement
Mary K’s art explores creativity, collaboration, and sustainability, focusing on themes like food security, community resilience, and environmental justice. Inspired by her interdisciplinary studies and professional background, her work combines storytelling, interactive elements, and a generational perspective.
Her project New SUM began with the EcoGeoGlyphic Observatory (EGG) at MING Studios in Boise, ID, in 2022. Initially inspired by the transformation of Boise’s high desert foothills into luxury developments, she reimagined the Settlers of Catan board game, incorporating local imagery and resource-based prompts. This process deepened with her study of Playing Oppression: The Legacy of Conquest and Empire in Colonialist Board Games by Mary Flanagan and Mikael Jakobsson, informing the game’s evolution into an original piece for a second EGG exhibition.
Her creative journey includes zines and wearable art, as well as past contributions to group shows, cover designs for Tacoma’s Weekly Volcano (2009–2011), and active participation in Tacoma’s arts scene (2006–2011).
Vision
Mary K strives to co-create resilience and joy. Through multiple forms of art and innovative game design, her work invites audiences to reflect on interconnectedness and their roles in building a sustainable, equitable future for generations to come.
Artist & Game Designer
New SUM: Interactive Dimensional Dialogues for a Shared Future (2022–present)
Immersive game-based installation using collaborative worldbuilding and physical set-making to explore speculative futures.
Host monthly game sessions and produce evolving 3D installations based on emerging themes
Recent exhibitions include Riparia at MING Studios and The Visitor Center
Themes explored include ecological retrofits, circular economies, mutual aid, and shared housing
Selected Collaborations & Public Projects
EcoGeoGlyphic Observatory – Member, environmental art and science collective (2022–present)
Placemakers Union at MING Studios – Featured Guest Artist (2025)
Open Letter Collective – Early member and creative contributor
Roots Zero Waste Market / Flipside Fest – Exhibiting artist (2023)
One Stone / Building Boise Soil – Community partner and educator (2024–25)
Address Book | Commercial - A Brief History of Marketing, a retrospective presentation on post WW I & II advertising with a focus on food (2025). Delivered remotely, I got COVID right before the event.
Erma Hayman House / City of Boise A&H Panel – Speaker, Going Public series (2024)
Exhibitions (Group & Solo)
Riparia, MING Studios, Boise, ID (2025)
The Visitor Center, MING Studios, Boise, ID (2024)
Field Work, MING Studios, Boise, ID (2023)
Mad Hat Tea Company, Tacoma, WA (Multiple exhibits including 2025 group show)
First Night Tacoma, Public Performance + Installation with Lynn DiNino (2009)
Propaganda – Reversed, KultureLab & Jazzbones, Tacoma, WA (2006–2009)
Tac25 Collective, Resident Artist, Tacoma, WA (2008–2009)
Art on the Ave, Tacoma, WA (2006–2007)
Rampart Gallery, Tacoma, WA (2006)
Education & Continuing Practice
Ongoing independent study in environmental art, cooperative economics, and speculative design
Regular participant in artist-led workshops and professional development for community engagement
