Embroidered and appliqué textile on muslin by Briana Ariel

| Norfolk Botanical Garden |

“Above the Noise” is a quilted textile piece depicting a Great blue heron silhouette, a year-round resident in Hampton Roads. The title evokes both the heron's graceful presence above the water and a sense of rising above life's chaos. This piece features detailed animal 100% cotton fabric and colorful embroidery stitching. In the upper left corner, "757"—Virginia Beach's area code—is discreetly stitched as a subtle nod to the local community and ecosystem. This beautiful bird catches my eye every time I spot one, usually at the Norfolk Botanical Garden.