Treewhispers

Treewhispers Call for Entries/Contributions:

Treewhispers is an ongoing international collaboration awakening our heart-felt connection to trees. Since the year 2000 the project has been presented online and through installations in a multitude of venues while continually gathering round, handmade papers from participants around the world. On the papers, contributors have remembered a tree or the spirit of a tree.

Presently Treewhispers has entries/contributions that include text and/or imagery; some are simply magnificent examples of beautiful handmade paper. Some suggest tree rings, depict leaves or illustrate a personally significant tree; others are imprinted with a poem or a meaningful story relating to trees.

I’m thrilled to announce the next installation of the forest of tree rounds will be in the Bridge and Joutras Galleries in the Regenstein Center at the Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, Illinois, January 14 through April 8, 2012. You’re invited to join the forest.

I will also be working on a book project to accompany Treewhispers in 2012 and am looking forward to featuring much of this work in the project—and in publicity for the upcoming installation.

In answer to FAQ:

* Who can participate? Anyone with a tree story: artists, students, scientists, doctors and dendrologists—elders and wee ones, professional and novice. I’m convinced everyone has a tree story somewhere inside.

* What’s the deadline? Technically there is no deadline since the project is ongoing but I am looking for some new work for publicity and a book in conjunction with the project—in which case I would need it by the end of August. (I can’t guarantee they’ll all be included in the book—but obviously a better chance if I have it here.)

* Is there a theme? If you haven’t guessed it already, the theme is the tree—your personal stories, art, poetry, experiences relating to tree in any media on flat, round, handmade paper. For instance, ask yourself the questions: Did you ever climb a tree, plant a tree, have a favorite tree, or name a tree? Share your own personal connection to a tree whatever it may be. Sometimes simple stories are the most profound.

* Do I make my own paper rounds? You can or you can collaborate with a papermaker.

* How do I make handmade paper at home? Directions for simple papermaking using recycled paper are on the website. Sometimes groups gather for the purpose of papermaking for contributing as a group experience—especially on Arbor Day, earth day or Tu B’Shevat. Sometimes home-schoolers or scout troops make paper then gather the tree stories from another generational sector such as parents or grandparents. It’s another chance to be creative.

* What are the size requirements? There are no size restrictions—flat, round, handmade paper.

* How many rounds/contributions can I make? You can make one or multiples. It takes many to make a tree! If you do make multiples or have a batch to send, please do not bind them. They will be bound in house specifically for the installation.

* Will they be returned? No, the work becomes the property of Treewhispers and will not be returned. The project is ongoing and the work will travel with the installation. Images of the work may be used for publicity purposes, the website and catalogs.

* Where should I send them? Please mail them to: Treewhispers, Pamela Paulsrud, 923 Amherst, Wilmette, IL 60091 USA

* How will I know Treewhispers receives them? If you send your e-mail with the work or write to me on the Treewhispers website I will let you know when they arrive. After that, sign up at the Treewhispers website and stay tuned.

* Does the text have to be in English? No. The collaboration is international, so please use your native language. I would highly appreciate an English translation written on the back or on paper in accompaniment with the handmade paper round.

* Should I sign my work? It’s up to you. Some work is signed and dated—some on the front—some on the back—some work comes anonymously.

*Will my work be in the installation? All work that arrives at least a month before the exhibition date meeting the criteria will be included. (Criteria being flat, round, handmade paper with a tree story, art, poetry—sometimes the paper speaks for itself.) Work received after that date will be included in the next installation.

* How is the “tree”/installation hung? The rounds are strung in house in roughly 5 ft. segments which can be connected together to hang in galleries with varying ceiling heights. This method also serves the purpose to rotate the work from one exhibit to the next. For instance, your work may be near the ceiling in one exhibit and at eye level the next. Also some work hangs on the wall.

* Where will the installation be next? Bridge and Joutras Galleries in the Regenstein Center at the Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, Illinois, January 14 through April 8, 2012.

Please contact Treewhispers.com for information if you are a gallery or space interested in bringing the Treewhispers installation to you.

* Is there another way to participate? You can also post your stories, poetry and photos honoring trees as well as your papermaking process directly on the Treewhispers.com website or on the Treewhispers Facebook page. Spread the word and stay tuned!