Last updated: February 27, 2023
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Mischa Ostberg
Resident Artist, Visual Art, 2023
Mischa Ostberg, of Ellsworth, ME, is a rope fiber artist from Chicago, IL. They have a BA in Swedish, French, and Chinese from Augustana College and a MS in Environmental Policy from Purdue University. In 2016, Mischa worked in the Ashley National Forest High Uinta Wilderness in Utah as a wilderness ranger and at the Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park as a SEA ranger. Always an environmentalist, Mischa began working on ways to repurpose their old gear; and as a rock-climber began using retired climbing rope to recreate outdoor spaces and wildlife. Their work is dedicated to inspiring others to see their retired outdoor gear as more than just trash and see what potential their gear may have with a little creativity.
As an avid outdoor explorer, Ostberg uses a combination of their experiences in these spaces and pre-colonized historical context to fuel their fiber creations. They have had the pleasure of recently completing their 50th commissioned piece and has sent their work to every corner of the U.S. They have had the joy of working with local non-profit organizations and has developed a partnership with REI to benefit local tribes. They are always working to push their work, increasing the variety of retired gear involved and the scale at which their work can be done. Ostberg is hoping to someday have the opportunity to design full indoor rope wall murals in spaces outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy them.