Papermaking in Detroit: The Invasive Paper Project by Megan Heeres

InspirationPaper ArtPapermaking ArtistsPapermaking Projects

Mar 7

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What’s currently topical in the handmade paper world? Projects and artists that explore alternative, local fibers for papermaking. These are paper projects that often connect with broader circles, from community organizations to environmental agencies. Whether it’s recycled paper scrap, agri-fiber waste, banana trunks, or invasive seaweed, over here at Paperslurry we’ll be exploring a few of our favorite ventures. You may have seen Jane Kramer’s Foreshadowing series, and today let's take a quick peek at The Invasive Paper Project, which also works with invasive plant fibers.

Megan Heeres is an artist and also the person behind The Invasive Paper Project, which is based in Detroit but also travels to other locations. She offers papermaking workshops with invasive plants harvested from urban areas. The project is an extension of her own artwork with a community focus. Part of the project's mission is to think creatively on how people can find different uses for invasives, beyond eradication.

Some plant species that The Invasive Paper Project has explored are Amur Honeysuckle, Garlic Mustard, and Phragmites australis.The Invasive Paper Project thus far has held workshops and events with Hannan House and the Student Conservation Association.

Another aspect to the project is installation artwork that collaborates with Detroit communities. The More We Get Together consists of detritus and handmade paper from non-native plants, both collected from parking lots and city parks. Participants make paper with Heeres in the gallery, and the resulting papers are added to the installation. Cool, right?If you're interested in learning more...