Tree Power Art Exhibit

 

Do you think trees can help save the world?  

Can you make art?  Then this is for YOU!

We are looking for great art for exhibit in Rhode Island and Massachusetts as well as virtually.  Art can be any 2-D media which will be photographed for our  virtual exhibit and hung "clothesline" style at several galleries TBD.  If you wish to only submit work digitally, we will accept that as well.

Your art MUST include AT LEAST ONE of each of these five categories.  (This could be part of a short description to include with the artwork, text in the artwork, or your own creative way of communicating your message.):

Tree Parts and Tree Environment: Trunk, branches, bark, leaves, canopy, roots, seeds, fruit, xylem, phloem, cambium

Science Focus: habitat, "spheres" (atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere), photosynthesis, weather, climate

Art Elements: Line, shape, color, value, texture, composition, contrast, balance, space, perspective,  rhythm, movement, pattern

Mitigation: Carbon sequestering, cooling air temperature, reduce run-off pollution, reduce erosion, reduce flooding

Social Justice: Access to green spaces, reduced asthma rates, reduced energy costs, access to a clean environment, access to a sustainable future

Create art in any 2-D media (Crayon/Pastel, Drawing, Collage, Digital Art, Mixed Media, Paint, Photography, Printmaking (with leaves). Dimensions should be between 4”x6” to 16”x20”.  Include minimum ½” border.  

SIGN UP AND SEND ART TO THE CONTACT IN YOUR AREA:

SE Mass Tricia Cassady 182 North Main St. Middleboro, MA 02346 tricia@plantsandsoils.com

North/Central Mass Laurie Bebick 219 Albee St. Fitchburg, MA 01420 lauriebebick@gmail.com

Rhode Island Melissa Guillet 45 Dean Ave. Johnston, RI 02919 15minutefieldtrips@gmail.com

Add hard backing inside the envelope to avoid bending.  Work can be sent as a class or school pack. Please add return postage. We are not responsible for damages. Work will be hung in galleries TBD and also become part of a virtual exhibit available on Youtube.  Please include waiver here.

WHEN: Work must be submitted by April 30th, 2021.  Work will be returned by December 2021.

WHY: The effects of climate change and environmental degradation are more acutely experienced by marginalized people, as these communities have less infrastructure to help those in need, less resources to deal with rising energy costs and weather-related events, less access to tree canopy and green spaces in general, and limited voice and power to make changes in their communities.  Red-lining practices reduced tree canopy in these neighborhoods, resulting in higher asthma rates.  Fewer trees affect mental and physical health and attitudes about nature. People are entitled to a clean environment for mental and physical health, careers, and a sustainable future.  Offering positive experiences with nature during youth helps create future environmental advocacy. We are all in this together, as advocates, mentors, and actors in our communities.  

While trees can reduce the effects of climate change by absorbing contaminants from flooding, cooling the air, creating oxygen, sequestering carbon, and providing mental health and recreation, some residents in these neighborhoods distrust trees. Trees can be seen as gentrification or a place for criminals to hide behind. (Many trees were cut on school grounds in recent years because of fears of active shooters).

A public exhibit will promote the value of trees and how they can address these issues.  Art becomes environmental advocacy and creates a feeling of togetherness, joy, peace, and empowerment.

RESOURCES: 

Tree Print Resource

Climate Change

Trees and Climate Change