Photo by Pamela Paulsrud
Jay was warmly greeting visitors at the gallery today when I stopped by. My heartfelt gratitude goes out to the enthusiastic participation of the dedicated staff and volunteers at the Kohl. Their passion and commitment make every visit a special experience.
I invite you to come and experience the vibrant energy and captivating artworks on display. Countdown to takedown is on! See you at the gallery!
Day two installation with skilled technicians sensitive to the work!
I wanted to share an incredible project relating to trees entitled “Seasons Rewound”—and the artists who created it, Barbara Pankratz and Barbara Johnston, both from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
They described it as a book five feet tall with an open back page spread that is 7 feet across. They used paper called weed block that they were able to purchase in 25 feet rolls, 3 feet across. They built all the pages then drew, painted and cut. There are three layers, the background layer, the tree layer then a little layer in the front with seven openings. The covers are matt board covered with painted canvas.
They mentioned that they spent one day a week for three years working on it. As they said it really was all about the process—they were not really concerned about the end product and they both felt the book literally made itself.
It was a wonderful collaboration. In their words: “The natural world is at the heart of everything we both do creatively. This oversize book was our attempt to represent a deep emotional and sensory connection to the changing seasons and to communicate our “larger-than-life” enthusiasm for the stunning visual experience this constant cycle affords.”
Photo by Pamela Paulsrud
Photo by Pamela Paulsrud
Photo by Pamela Paulsrud
©Chicago Botanic Garden 2012
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
©Chicago Botanic Garden 2012
The beautiful tree-lined walk through the Regenstein Center leads to the Joutras Gallery where Treewhispers awaits. It’s simply beautiful—a space singing the stories, art and poetry from hundreds of people around the world honoring their connection to trees. The exhibit opened January 14th and continues through April 8th. Plan a visit and a stroll outside as well—the Garden is incredible in the winter!
©Chicago Botanic Garden 2012
Many thanks to the Chicago Botanic Garden—and very special thank you to Dawn Bennett who was instrumental in bringing it to fruition.
Have you ever climbed a tree? Do you have a favorite tree or a magical path through the woods?
Join the Treewhispers forest of stories by sending your handmade paper rounds with your tree story/art/poetry. Your submission will be included in the upcoming exhibition Bridge and Joutras Galleries in the Regenstein Center at the Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, Illinois, January 14 through April 8, 2012 as well as all future exhibitions.
How have trees inspired and informed you?
A rich collection of the late Marilyn Sward’s artwork is soon to be exhibited at the Columbia College Chicago Center for the Book and Paper entitled Speaking in Paper. Mark your calendars for the quickly approaching opening reception, on June 9 from 5:30-8:30pm.
Opening Reception
Wednesday, June 9th, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Exhibition: June 9 – August 21, 2010
Gallery Hours: Mon. – Sat. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Center for Book and Paper Arts
1104 S. Wabash, 2nd floor
Chicago, IL
Click here for more on this exhibition and related workshops and programs.
Marilyn always loved a crowd. Bring a friend and please feel free to forward this to anyone you think might be interested.
Photo by Pamela Paulsrud
Photo by Pamela Paulsrud
