Alumna Rachel Hayes’ Iconic Art Installation at Olivia Rodrigo’s Historic Daisy Chain Festival
09.02.2026
When Tulsa-based artist Rachel Hayes (‘99 Fiber) was first approached to create an outdoor project for a women’s fundraiser, the details were kept a secret. It wasn't until later that she learned the mastermind behind the August 29 event was Grammy-winning pop star Olivia Rodrigo.
Making the Connection
Hayes’ work was a focal point at Rodrigo’s highly anticipated Daisy Chain Fields Festival in Irvine, California. The event made history with its all-female lineup and powerful feminist art exhibitions, uniting women and girls behind nonprofits promoting their well-being.
“Someone reached out to me via a production company asking if I would consider creating an outdoor project for a fundraiser supporting women, and I expressed interest," Hayes shared. "Then there were many conversations with Olivia's team. She was involved every step of the way in decision-making, and how my work could be presented best.”
Inspired by the '90s touring festival Lilith Fair, Daisy Chain Fields celebrated female artists and activists. The day-long event featured a star-studded, all-women musical lineup that included Chappell Roan, Doechii, Bikini Kill, Mitski, Garbage, and The Breeders, with special guest appearances by Stevie Nicks, Alanis Morissette, and Sarah McLachlan.
Beyond the music, the festival was a massive philanthropic success. Through ticket sales, sponsorships, and the performers generously waiving their fees, the event initially brought in $10 million for 10 charities supporting women's health, workplace protections, and legal rights. During the headlining set, philanthropist Melinda French Gates made a surprise appearance to match the funds, bringing the grand total to $20 million.
The result of Hayes' collaboration with the festival was Sky by Day, Sky by Night, a soaring installation featuring six hand-sewn textile panels stretching overhead in bold blocks of color. Hayes, whose work explores quilt making, architectural space, and light, designed the piece specifically to harmonize with the outdoor setting.
“I wanted to make a piece that worked with the sky—so I sewed all these mesh windows into the pattern to reveal the sky, not conceal it," Hayes explained. "Throughout the day and night, the piece is constantly changing colors, going from grey, white, blue, speckled with clouds, bright light from the sun, purple and orange at dusk, then darker colors at night. It has a very full life in a 24-hour cycle—which was perfect for a one-day festival.”
The massive, translucent panels served as a colorful, glowing canopy for the crowd. For Hayes, the sheer size of the piece was its own kind of empowerment.
“This piece takes up space, which can be seen as rebellious—but it does so with color, beauty, and sensitivity to its environment," she noted. "I'm setting the stage for everyone to share a moment together underneath.”
Rebel Recognition
Taking up space alongside some of history’s most renowned female artists made the experience particularly poignant for Hayes. At the festival, her textiles shared the grounds with installations from legendary figures she had studied in art school, including Yoko Ono, Jenny Holzer, and the Guerrilla Girls.
“When I saw the band lineup, I knew it was going to be so cool. But on top of that, to be recognized as a female artist pushing boundaries in what was essentially an exhibition with Yoko Ono, the Guerrilla Girls, and Jenny Holzer... this really means the world to me, because I do see myself as a rebel,” Hayes said.