Treewhispers

In 2023, many trees in the United States were affected by historic winter storms. In California, it was brutal. Week after week, national news sites showed huge trees completely uprooted, some landing on parked cars and homes, sending frightened residents to seek shelter elsewhere. 

Sadly, in previously years we’ve made headlines with our state’s devastating wildfires. 

Here in Sacramento, one way or another, we’re known for our trees. There are approximately 1 million trees within city limits on both public and private property. Sacramento is a Sterling Tree City USA and is rated one of the top 10 urban forests in the country. No wonder that since the early 1900s, the capital is called “The City of Trees,” along with a more recent branding of “America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital.”

“Sacramento, Calif.’s main attractions include a 33-mile bike trail and the picturesque Capitol Park surrounding California’s State Capitol, which features 450 varieties of trees and flowering shrubs; recently completed a best management practices study; has a strong volunteer base; each year, one of the city’s electric utilities and a nonprofit partner to plant 13,000 trees on private property that will provide shade to homes and reduce energy demand.” https://www.bdcnetwork.com/10-us-cities-best-urban-forests

But as the raging storms moved through neighborhoods, battering thousands of trees, it also rekindled memories of trees in its residents. I’m one of them, a native, with 15 trees in my small yard.

One day I remembered Treewhispers’ mission: “to awaken our heartfelt connection to trees.” Years ago, I’d contributed a “round” and now I felt that nudge again. 

I reached out to art groups with an idea and soon, kindred spirits went to work! Our venture was such a pleasure that I’m glad to share how it worked for us, and hope it might inspire you to consider spreading the word, too.

Begin with an introduction and an invitation:

Send out a flyer to your contacts to introduce Treewhispers and include links to their social media sites.

Show the end result: colorful, vertical exhibitions, strung with “rounds” of art that travel to U.S. hospitals, colleges, gardens, churches, libraries, etc. for hanging. Mention that both sides of the round can be used, if they wish, since attendees will see the art from both perspectives. Stress diversity, originality and freedom in creating.

Use a close-up photo of a round (I used the older one I’d made) for an example. It’s important to give a detailed visual to inspire those who are interested the project.

Invite readers to make a contribution: poetry, memories, paintings, collages, etc. on handmade paper. (You could also hold a papermaking workshop if possible.) I found multiple sources for handmade paper rounds, which the artists picked up to work on in their own studio.

Plan ahead for a completion date:

Give an estimated timeframe. Be sure to have a contact person listed with email, phone, etc. For the return of the completed rounds (allow 4-6 weeks or so), invite everyone to gather together for show and tell, the best part!

Celebrate trees:

Bring out a festive charcuterie board and some bubbly! I also took photos of the artists and their pieces. Our social gathering was really meaningful. Each artist described their attraction to trees and briefly explained their unique, creative process. It opened our eyes and hearts to seeing others’ appreciation of trees. 

We’re all excited to send our rounds to Treewhispers to connect to a larger community of tree lovers.

Stay tuned in the coming days to meet the contributing artists, who shared their thoughts and processes.

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