Treewhispers

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. You’re invited to join the forest by sending your flat handmade paper round with your tree story, poetry and/or art.

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.

* What’s the deadline? There is no deadline for the project is ongoing.

* Is there a theme? If you haven’t guessed it already, the theme is the tree—your personal stories, art, poetry, experiences relating to a 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.

Some contributions are simply a magnificent example of beautiful handmade paper and some include text and/or imagery. 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.

* 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 here. 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. (Please do not include glitter, 3-dimensional objects e.g. bark/sticks, or use of a medium such as chalk or pastel that will rub off on other work.)

* How many rounds/contributions can I make? You can make one or a hundred. 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 here 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 is interesting and fun to see where the work originates and who is contributing but it’s up to you whether you sign it or not. Some work is signed and dated—some on the front—some on the back—some work comes anonymously.

* Should I write/draw on one side? Once again, it’s up to you but both sides will be visible so why not use both sides?

*Will my work be in the installation? All contributions that arrive at least a month before the exhibition date will be included as space allows. Work received after that date will be included in the next installation.

* How is the work installed? The rounds are strung in-house in roughly 3-8 ft. segments that 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, occasionally some work is exhibited on the wall.

* Where will the installation be next? 

• Jan/Feb 2023 Exhibition at Grange Insurance Audubon, Columbus, OH

* Are there other ways to participate?

• Plan a papermaking opportunity for friends, family and groups of all ages and interests—in arboretums, art centers, nature centers, schools, home-schools, assisted living residences, hospitals, back yards and of course professional papermaking studios—endless possibilities!

• Round handmade paper donations are gratefully accepted for those unable to have access to the process of papermaking. Consider signing the paper—afterall, it is a collaboration with the author/artist next in line. Send contributions to: Treewhispers, 923 Amherst, Wilmette, IL 60091 USA and thank you!

• Walk in the woods, make friends with a tree and share a story about your experience. Post your stories, poetry, and photos honoring trees as well as your papermaking process directly here on the Treewhispers.com website or on the Treewhispers Facebook page. Spread the word and stay tuned!