An Open Call To Artists: Create Art Based On Connecticut’s Forests

DERBY — In celebration of 100 years of forestry conservation and management, the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection and its partners – Connecticut Forest and Parks Association, Connecticut Commission on the Arts, and Department of Economic Growth and Tourism – will host “Art From Connecticut Forests.”

This special exhibit will celebrate the usefulness and diversity of wood products through pieces created by artists using the wood of a single white oak tree. Weavers, papermakers, furniture crafters, potters, sculptors and other artists are asked to illustrate the beauty and flexibility of this renewable resource in an original creation.

The exhibit committee hopes that all parts of the tree, including leaves, bark and roots, can be incorporated into the exhibit. This will illustrate the amount of useful products trees provide. Artists of all mediums are encouraged to participate in the special project by completing an application form and submitting slides of their work. Final selection will be based on diversity of products created, creativity, artist ability and availability of wood.

Jurors for this event are Joy Wulke from CCA and Jack Russell from Brookfield Arts Center.

To obtain application material and details about this project contact Susan Quincy, Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Communications and Education, PO Box 435, Derby CT 06418; 203-734-2513; or susan/quincy@po.state.ct.us. Deadline for application submission is August 1.

The white oak tree will be harvested in late August and the material will be divided among the selected artists to create their piece(s). The selected tree is located in Portland at Mashamusuk State Forest, the oldest state forest in Connecticut. Its selection was based on forestry management criteria.

This 100-year old tree has reached its full growth and is beginning to decline in health. Its removal will improve growing conditions for other trees in the area while not reducing or affecting the food supply for the wildlife.

“Art From Connecticut Forests” will open at The Charter Oak Cultural Center in Hartford in May 2004 and then travel throughout the state. Educational workshops and programs will accompany the exhibit to give people a glimpse at the past, present and future of this renewable resource.

Galleries or locations wishing to exhibit the project may also contact Susan Quincy. Dates are available, but limited.

At 107 years and counting, Connecticut Forest and Park Association is the oldest private, nonprofit environmental organization in the state.