Arbor Gallery is pleased to present Thinking Outside the Box, a solo exhibition by Dede Lifgren, on view February 4 through March 1, 2026. An opening reception will be held Saturday, February 7, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.

In Thinking Outside the Box, Lifgren reimagines an everyday material most people overlook: discarded cardboard. In early 2023, the artist set a focused mission to work exclusively with cardboard because it was abundant, ignored, and full of potential. Through an inventive, hands-on process, Lifgren soaks, cuts, weaves, staples, glues, paints, and adorns each piece, pushing the medium beyond its expected function.

The resulting works challenge assumptions about value, permanence, and what can be made into art. By transforming a humble, familiar material into something visually compelling and unexpected, Lifgren invites viewers to reconsider their perceptions and recognize the creative possibilities within what is typically discarded.

“Cardboard was everywhere – abundant, ignored, and full of potential,” Lifgren says. “What keeps me engaged is the challenge this humble material presents.”

Exhibition: Thinking Outside the Box, Solo Exhibition by Dede Lifgren
Dates: February 4 – March 1, 2026
Opening Reception: Saturday, February 7, 2026, 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Venue: Arbor Gallery, 1875 Route 6, Carmel, NY
Contact: (845) 704-4384, [email protected]
Instagram: @arbor.gallery