Tag: exhibition
-
Sapling!
I wanted to share the buzz at The Center in Palos Park, IL both in appreciation—and as inspiration to others, highlighting various ways of embracing the Treewhispers project. The Center has chosen opportunities to present papermaking, storytelling and guided walks. They are “growing their forest” of paper rounds having had instructions for stringing so that in the end it will be included in the upcoming installations and be consistent with the other “trees”. (Please contact me for these instructions and materials should you be interested in doing the same.) And so, with great excitement may I present the letter from Lois!Hi Pam—We continue to enjoy the ongoing Treewhispers project at The Center. At the Little Art Show on May 25, we let folks make their own little 3″ circles of paper–they were so quick to dry with an iron that they could write and draw right away–and we strung them up—and called it our “sapling!” Then this last weekend at our Outdoor Women’s Connecting With Nature Retreat we used pre-made handmade paper, but really enjoyed everyone drawing and writing on their disc. The ladies were really into their memories of trees significant to their lives. We strung them right on the spot, hung them from a tree branch, and had our closing circle ritual around our tree trunk of memories! I really like this idea of a progressive forest being made as we progress through the summer. I think by September, we will have a very impressive looking display to appreciate and then to send off to add to your collection.Little art show photos attached. Retreat photos to follow.
Lois LauerProgram Director at The Center (http://www.thecenterpalos.org/)12700 Southwest Highway, Palos Park, IL 60464
-
Tree stories from the Allegheny Mountains
With this project I’ve heard thousands of tree stories—most likely told for the first and perhaps only time. I’ve heard touching stories of trees being planted in memory of a loved one, of how a tree saved a life by stopping a car out of control from plunging into a lake, and of course I’ve heard about the magic of spending hours as a young child hanging out in their branches. I suppose it’s obvious that I love hearing these stories of trees and how we’re connected to them—how they’ve influenced our lives. I’ve always felt honored to be a part of this storytelling moment in time, yet sometimes secretly wishing that there were some way to capture these precious memories being told—so that others too might be inspired to remember their deep connections to trees.
My wish was answered when Dawn Bennett introduced me to Beth Barbush, an artist, photographer, and story collector. Beth is currently living in Cambridge, Maryland working for the Maryland Humanities council developing public dialogues and programs around agricultural and environmental issues. We spoke a few times on the phone and finally had the pleasure of meeting at the Chicago Botanic Garden where this collaboration began. Although she seemed inspired and eager to collect these stories, I wondered about the challenge she had in taking on this project having just moved to Maryland—but as the days and weeks wore on was delighted in hearing her experiences with others in her quest. (Now I’m secretly hoping she’ll capture her own story sometime soon!) It’s a delight to have these recorded interviews from the Allegheny Mountains join Treewhispers . Be sure to allow extra time when you visit. I know you’ll want to hear them too.
Photo by Pamela Paulsrud
Photo by Pamela Paulsrud
Photo by Pamela Paulsrud
