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Weave of Life Project: In Progress

400 Panels and Counting

Published about 2 months ago • 1 min read

Last week I crossed 400 panels.

Just over 300 of them are going to Grand Rapids.

I've been spending the last week creating packaging to get them there safely.

Here's what I built: custom laser-cut trays sized to hold each panel snugly in place, with the panel shapes cut into the cardboard itself. Each tray gets a backer board, layer of glassine paper against the surface, then a sheet of foam padding, then cardboard on top. The whole tray gets taped closed and stacked into a larger box for transport.

Some of the materials are new. Some are upcycled, cardboard that came from other boxes, foam sheeting I had on hand.

I'll be honest: I didn't anticipate this part of the process. Making 400 panels is one kind of work. Designing a system to transport 310 of them safely is a different kind entirely. It required the same problem-solving as the panels themselves, just with different materials and a different kind of patience.

But watching the stacks grow, tray by tray, box by box — it makes the whole thing feel real in a new way. These panels have been leaning against studio walls and stacked on tables for months. Now they're getting packed up. They're going somewhere.

Weave of Life opens at ArtPrize 2026 at Monroe Community Church, 630 Michigan St NE, Grand Rapids, Michigan. September 18 through October 3. To inquire about the work, reach out at nancy@nancyfritzart.com​

Weave of Life Project: In Progress

Nancy Fritz

Weave of Life is an evolving, living project—growing panel by panel, story by story. This space offers a glimpse into the process as it unfolds: from early material gathering and studio moments to community contributions and new installations. You’re invited to follow along as the work develops and to see how memory, nature, and community connection are woven together over time. Subscribe to get updates directly to your e-mail! For project details visit: https://www.nancyfritzart.com/weave-of-life

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