
Art that Matters to the Planet: Interconnectivity
Inspired by the emerging science and insights of Suzanne Simard (Finding the Mother Tree) and Peter Wohlleben (The Hidden Life of Trees), Art that Matters to the Planet 2023: Interconnectivity, explores the underground network of tree roots, and how communication and nutrient sharing helps trees to thrive. Highlighting the connectivity of trees serves as an analogy for interconnected relationships in creating strong communities. With anthropomorphic roots, paintings of lively underground societies, and reflections on the important role of trees in our lives, the exhibition will encourage us to discover connections between our own relationships and those within the natural world.
Artists featured in this exhibit include George Lorio, Jack Elliott, Brendan Quirk, Sallie Lowenstein, Pamela Casper, Kelsey Gilmore, Gayle Fichtinger, Cynthia Martinez, Susan Martin Maffei, Margaret LeJeune, Michele Brody, Ian Campbell, elin slavick, Ellen Driscoll, Laura Ahola-Young, Pamela Sloan, Meredith Nemirov, Neshama Roash, Audrey Dowling, Wendy Bale, Noah DiRuzza, Cyrena Nouzille, Trine Bumiller, Bette Kauffman, Kaycee Colburn.
Healthy tree cover creates many important benefits for cities, including cooler temperatures, cleaner air, higher property values, and healthier residents. For the past 42 years, Jamestown’s commitment to maintaining the city’s tree cover has been recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation through designation as a Tree City USA. This demonstrates the city’s commitment to growing and tending to these valuable public assets and prioritizing the long-term health of the tree canopy. As part of Art that Matters to the Planet: Interconnectivity, the Roger Tory Peterson Institute is accepting donations for a special project to plant trees in our community. The area where Roger Tory Peterson grew up has been identified for neighborhood revitalization by the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation (JRC). Funds raised by RTPI will support tree planting in Roger’s old neighborhood. To make a greater impact, donations to RTPI in support of this project will be matched by the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation’s Urban Forestry Fund. To donate to this project, click here, and make sure you designate your gift with the word Trees.
Thank you to Shults Auto Group and Cummins Inc. for sponsoring Art that Matters to the Planet.
Past Exhibition Programs