About

Lynn Stanley is an artist, educator, and writer.  She was born in Connecticut, moved to NYC to attend the School of Visual Arts, and relocated to Cape Cod in 1990.  Stanley returned to school as an adult and earned a Bachelor’s degree in studio art through Smith College’s Ada Comstock Scholars Program; from there she completed an MFA in Creative Writing, Poetry as a Colby Fellow at the University of Michigan. She devoted two decades to non-profit arts administration, and became an award-winning educator and program developer.  During this time, she curated over sixty art exhibitions at the Provincetown Art Association & Museum, and supported the creative development of children, teens, and educators along Cape Cod.  Her work is in private and public collections, and has been featured in numerous exhibitions.

She is inspired by both her New England childhood and the landmarks, waterways, and forests of the Outer Cape.  She lives in Truro with her wife and three peculiar and impractical cats, Freida, Boo and Bea, born in the years of our Lord, 2007 and 2021 respectively.  

Why B is for Bird?

Like many children I was fascinated by the natural world.  One of my earliest memories is of sitting in the summer grass wondering about the patterns of light and shadow that were falling around me.  It occurred to me to look up.  I discovered that the sun disappeared behind clouds and that the clouds moved.  It was knowledge I obtained on my own, which is why, I think, I remember the feeling of both accomplishment and wonder these many years later. 

 There are memories of the old woods behind my grandparents’ home, and the day the large beech tree was filled with gold finches. My mother’s wooden bird feeder, hanging from a maple tree limb like a small open-faced shed, where chickadees, cardinals, tufted titmice, and blue jays gathered during the winter.  I was told the blue jays were unwelcome because they were large, loud, and pushed the smaller birds away from the feeder.  As I shared a small house with younger siblings, I suspected I was more like the jays than the chickadees. Walking through the woods the jays would follow, calling out as I made my way.  On a metal swing I’d pump my legs, wishing I could fly, and stretching as far up as the metal chains would allow me to go.

Alphabet Love

My affection for birds is coupled with a love of alphabets and books of all kinds.  Alphabets are powerful: string a series of letters together and name the world. If you’re feeling stretched to bursting with anxiety, I recommend looking at a children’s alphabet book—A is for Apple, B is for Bird; each page will ground you and return you to terra firma.

The Turning Seasons & Celebrations

Do you long to pay closer attention to the seasons, to anticipate special occasions or holidays with the wonder of childhood, or to simply not be surprised when a birthday or anniversary shows up on the same day it did exactly one year ago? In my dreams I am present and generous. I have a plan.  I remember you.  To accomplish this glorious vision, I hope to accompany you through the seasons, as I share handmade work, ideas, and projects, month by month, that I hope will bring you joy. 

Thank-you for joining me on this adventure,

Lynn Stanley
B is for Bird