Ellen Kochansky is a textile artist who uses many different materials to create beautiful storytelling items including quilts, clothing and dolls. The image of old things taking on new meanings is important to her. Ellen makes art out of the fabrics (and paper, photos, hairpins, and any number of other materials) that are meaningful to her. She abhors waste and believes strongly in recycling materials in her work. She has created art to adorn student dorm rooms, corporate headquarters, town halls, sanctuaries, as well as group and community headquarters. She is one of 17 nationally recognized artists on the Windows on Mars video.

When asking Ellen questions, consider those presented in the Windows on Mars video:

• What materials would artists bring to Mars? What type of art would be most useful and beautiful to create?
  
  
• How will we ensure that traditions we have enjoyed as communities here on Earth can be continued in the Mars Habitat? How can art provide us with the connections to our past and present?
  
  
• Because everything that goes on the mission to Mars must be useful in creating a new community, will there be any items that are purely decorative?
  
  
• How will the physical makeup of Mars influence what is considered art? Will computers and the technology likely to evolve from today's desktops and laptops be a big aspect of art on Mars?

The online question-and-answer process is simple. Just submit the online form with the requested information and the question you want to ask. Questions will be answered within the following two weeks.