Internationally renowned environmental installation artist Roy Staab has come to Eau Claire. As an artist-in-residence at the university, Staab has chosen a project that will draw attention to the natural beauty of the Chippewa River as it runs through the campus while giving students the rare opportunity to be involved in the entire process. Volunteers have been helping Staab gather local indigenous wildflowers and weeds, roping them together using twine to create tendrils over 100 feet long that will drop from the foot bridge and be anchored by pine bobbers in the water. “The real learning experience is working with Staab and engaging in conversation with him,” said Tom Wagener, Foster Gallery director and professor. Every piece of this installation is designed to degrade back into the earth. Photographs have been taken throughout the process to document the creation and duration of the piece. The Foster Art Gallery will feature sketches and photographs of Staab’s other works during the weeks of Oct. 7-28. An artist’s talk with Staab is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 8 at 10am in the gallery.