I had the joy of collaborating with 19-year-old Iris May Benson Replogle (she/her) — a freelance artist who says she is “hoping to spread kindness.” Iris stepped into the Dash-Dye color of Orchid, carrying the archetype of The Kind Creator: gentle, imaginative, and resilient. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, she is already sharing her work with the world through words, images, and now wearable color.
Iris creates watercolor stories and graphic novels for all ages that shine light on one of the most important conversations of our time: mental health. Her work is honest, hopeful, and deeply kind. When you read her words and illustrations, you can feel that only a generous spirit would share such tender truths. She believes mental health matters because it affects every part of a person’s life — and every part of life, in turn, affects mental health.
Her stories weave in reminders like “don’t give up” and “keep going,” curated with care so that young people can see the ideas of their peers reflected back at them. Iris gives voice to that next generation — a gift for kids, teens, and adults alike.
At Fern Fest, I invited Iris into the full Dash-Dye palette, and she chose her own shades — midnight blue, periwinkle, orchid — to pour and layer across the fabric. She first sketched lilacs with glue, letting the lines harden into delicate shapes, and then took the dyeing into her own hands. My role was to witness, to cheer her on, to hold the space — while Iris created the transformation herself.
When the piece was finished, Iris wore it into the field. Flowers caught in the air around her. The garment, the land, and the moment all folded together—part experiment, part memory, part art.
“I had so much fun collaborating with Andrea on this project. It’s definitely a memory I will cherish.” — Iris
This collaboration reminded me how powerful it is to try something new together. The glue lines became pathways, the dye became light, and the flower field became our gallery. Co-creation isn’t just about making—it’s about remembering. It’s about carrying forward those moments where two worlds overlap and something entirely fresh begins to bloom.
Currently, Iris is editing her novels and preparing for new vending opportunities where she’ll be sharing both old and new work. You can follow her thoughtful journey on Instagram at @kindmouseandfriends.
Fern Fest: Women’s Only Music Festival
The inspiration for Fern Fest came from the desire to evolve the experience of a women’s festival and expand the vision into an inclusive, sustainable space. We want to continue to find our community, specifically women, nonbinary, and trans folks, in the context of a music festival and expand access to the healing and connection during a week in the Michigan woods. Many have brought their unique inspiration to bringing Fern Fest to life. We may share identities or similar lived experiences, but choosing to show up and connect is what’s special.
