La Ofrenda (2008)
Cultivate//Badlands, MASS MoCA @ Berkshire Botanical Gardens, Stockbridge, MA

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La Ofrenda is a multifaceted sculpture by Jennifer Zackin that reflects her deep connection to nature. Stones used in the piece were gathered from sites in each cardinal direction surrounding the botanical gardens, symbolizing this bond.

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The sculpture, known as the Offering Station, was constructed from metal and repurposed burlap coffee bags. Medicinal plants were planted at its base and allowed to grow, eventually covering the structure. Shells and colored stones were placed in carefully designed “pockets” within the station, creating interactive elements. Visitors were invited to take medicinal plants from the station and use the smaller stones and shells to contribute to a larger stone sculpture (cairn).

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Zackin describes the sculpture as deeply personal and layered, combining visible and invisible elements, including the energy of ley lines. It serves as both a teaching tool and a collaborative gesture, encouraging participants to engage with her reverence for nature and its profound mysteries. Rooted in a spirit of generosity, La Ofrenda conveys a lesson of reciprocity: giving back to nature and honoring its cycles.