Continuing the 25-Year Celebration: Treewhispers at the Evanston Public Library
As part of the 25-year celebration of Treewhispers, and at the invitation of the HIVE Center for Book Arts, handmade paper rounds from near and far are on display. They are filling the stairwells and third floor of the Evanston Public Library now through January 2026. Each circle holds a story, a reflection, or a memory.
This installation is a small part of the thousands of stories that have grown with Treewhispers over the years. It is also an open invitation for new stories to take root. Pause along the stairwells, linger on the third floor, read, dream, and remember. Let yourself be inspired by creativity, community, and our enduring connection with trees.
Gratitude to Liggett Studio, Tulsa, OK
Treewhispers and book artists were recently welcomed into the beautiful space of Liggett Studio in Tulsa, Oklahoma, through the thoughtful curation of Teresa Wilber.
With deep gratitude to Steve Liggett and Teresa for their generous invitation, their sensitive handling of the work, and their outreach to so many kindred artists. It was a joy to share this work and to experience the creativity and spirit of others whose art filled the space with story and connection.
Thank you to all who came, lingered, and listened. The exchange of energy and appreciation made the experience truly special.
Paper, Process, Passion
If you’ve ever been curious about the process of handmade paper, here’s a glimpse! Melissa Jay Craig is creating paper rounds for the Treewhispers‘ closing reception at Artists Book House on March 22nd. (Don’t miss it! You might be a lucky recipient of this amazing paper!)
What you don’t see is the incredible fiber processing behind the scenes:
- Raw hemp & unbleached abaca pulp sheet – both beaten for 90 minutes at 1 in the Hollander beater
- Twinrocker black denim pulp sheet – 20 minutes at 1
Papermaking is a labor of time, energy, and talent—often unseen but deeply felt in the final sheet. There are many different processes, fibers, techniques, and materials that can be used, each bringing unique textures, characteristics, and possibilities.
So many generous papermakers have donated handmade paper rounds to Treewhispers. This has made it possible for others to take part. They can write stories, compose poems, or draw on the sheets to be included in the installation.
I’m incredibly grateful for these generous contributions, which allow this collaborative project to grow and evolve with each participant.
Next time you hold a sheet of handmade paper, take a moment to consider the process, the fiber, and the maker. Reflect not just on its touch and texture. Contemplate its color, thickness, and even its sound. Yes, sound.
Enjoy the photos and celebrate the artistry of handmade paper!
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Join us for Pulp Painting fun!
Pulp Painting Nature
with Don Widmer
Saturday, March 1, 2025; 11am to 3pm
Artists Book House
4207 W. Irving Park Rd.; Chicago, IL
Sign up HERE
Participants will learn the technique of pulp painting, creating imagery within sheets of handmade paper using plant pulp as a medium. We will design and cut our own stencils using nature as our inspiration. Then we will create sheets of paper, including round sheets, in keeping with the theme of the Treewhispers project. Participants will apply colored pulp using their stencil forms to the fresh sheets of paper. The wet sheets can be taken home to dry. Wear clothes that can get wet.
About Don Widmer
Don Widmer is a book and paper artist whose work incorporates papermaking and artist bookbinding. His papermaking utilizes detailed pulp painting with numerous layers of stenciled pulp. His artist books feature structures that explore movement and light. Don has exhibited throughout the Midwest, most recently at David Smith Studio, A+C Architects Studio, the Paper Discovery Center, Bridgeport Art Center, Tall Grass Art Gallery, Morgan Conservatory, Gallery Studio Oh!, and Kalamazoo Book Arts Center. He has received several best of show awards and his work is represented in university, museum and library collections. Most recently, the Smithsonian purchased his artist book Darkness and Light, inspired by Etty Hillesum. Widmer received his MFA in Interdisciplinary Book and Paper Arts from Columbia College Chicago.
Stitching Stories and Time
Several enthusiastic members of the North Suburban NeedleArts Guild immersed themselves in the Treewhispers forest on Sunday. It was delightful—though perhaps not surprising—that when invited to share their stories, they instinctively reached for needle and thread or brought along their already-stitched handmade paper rounds to continue working on.
There’s something truly special about gathering together, stitching, and sharing tree stories along the way. It’s a gift—one that continues to weave connections through time and art.
Get Ready to Branch Out!
Fun & Funky Arboreal Alphabets — February 22, 2025
In celebration of Treewhispers 25th Anniversary Artists Book House will be hosting Fun & Funky Arboreal Alphabets with Julie Wildman
Saturday, February 22, 2025; 12pm to 3pm
4207 W Irving Park, Chicago
This is a class for all levels with a focus on drawing, calligraphy, and incorporating nature, using trees as inspiration for creating fun and funky letters.
Students may bring in their own photos or cuttings of trees, branches, twigs, and leaves for inspiration, or they may use the instructor’s samples. We will explore the interesting shapes found in these items and sketch letters based on those shapes. Then, we will illustrate the alphabets using paints, colored pencils, gel pens, markers, and other materials. Students will work at their own pace and may choose to create a variety of letterforms or a cohesive alphabet or short phrase.
Materials will be supplied, but students may bring in photos or natural clippings for inspiration.
Creativity in Action
A heartfelt thank you to the enthusiastic members of the Chicago Calligraphy Collective and everyone who made the Artists Book House event so meaningful! I’m deeply grateful for the CCC’s talent and generosity in creating the Weathergram outreach. It was so wonderful to see art bringing people together, creating new friendships, and sharing stories. Here’s to more moments like this filled with creativity and connection!
Join us for some hands-on fun! 🌿
Sunday, February 16, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Artists Book House – 4207 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago
Come watch the masters in action, share in the creative energy, and design your very own weathergram! Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a curious beginner, this is your chance to explore, create, and connect. Don’t miss it—let’s make some art together!
This special event is open to all!
Artwork by Vaishali Shinde
Weathergrams
Come for the creativity, stay for the inspiration! 🌿✨
Sunday, February 16, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Artists Book House – 4207 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking Treewhispers exhibit. Create a weathergram. Explore the art of calligraphy with members from the Chicago Calligraphy Collective in a welcoming, creative space.
Don’t miss this chance to share the time, soak in the beauty, and let your creativity flow. We can’t wait to see you there!
Weathergrams by Mary Zabrin
Day of Calligraphy and Creativity
I’m beyond excited that the Chicago Calligraphy Collective (CCC) is collaborating in Treewhispers’ 25th Anniversary festivities!
This special event is a chance to immerse yourself in the beauty of calligraphy, create your own weathergram, and experience the inspiring Treewhispers exhibit.
Sunday, February 16, 2025
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Artists Book House – 4207 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago
Admission is free—if inspired, feel free to contribute.
What’s happening?
CCC calligraphers will be demonstrating a variety of lettering styles. Supplies will be provided for visitors to create their own weathergrams—a beautiful calligraphic tradition dating back over 50 years.
Take yours home, display it, or gift it to someone special!
Come celebrate the art of writing, storytelling, and nature with us.
Hope to see you there!
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