Migration has shaped nearly every city we see, and Eau Claire is no exception. As the city I was born and raised in, it stands as a living example of this ongoing story. Its history is rooted in the original Ojibwe, Dakota, and Ho-Chunk nations, and has continued to evolve through the migration of French, German, Norwegian, Hmong, and Hispanic communities. Each group has contributed to the city’s identity, culture, and growth.

My Deeper Than A river project reflects on that layered history through subtle visual symbols of migration, expressed in both the built environment and the natural world. Designed for a space many consider a second home, the work remains light and approachable while still holding space for a deeper narrative. There is so much more to say on this topic, and I see this as an ongoing project that I will continue to expand and develop over time.