Trees in nature and in human cultures; trees as metaphor, inspiration, and resource. To encourage reflection about the many ways in which trees are meaningful to humanity and important in the natural world, the Spencer will offer a diverse selection of artwork, books, diagrams, and other objects drawn from University of Kansas and area collections.
In its effort to acknowledge climate change, the Museum will collaborate with KU’s Biodiversity Institute in a species-migration mapping project.
Trees will bring to light the Spencer’s rich collection of images and tree-centered works. In addition, it will feature a map-based visualization of how trees may migrate as a result of climate change (Kansas sunflowers and cottonwood trees may drift right out of the state!). In addition, the exhibition will involve world-renowned sculptor Patrick Dougherty as artist-in-residence during May, when he will create a tree-branch sculpture at The Commons at Spooner Hall.
Dougherty has gained an international reputation for his structures and has created hundreds of monumental, site-specific sculptures around the world. His work is constructed from saplings gathered from local sources and shaped into massive, swirling forms as high as 40 feet.
Trees is organized by Stephen Goddard, Senior Curator of Prints, working in cooperation with KU’s Biodiversity Institute and the Spencer Research Library. The exhibition will be on view from March 7 to May 24, 2009. -- www.spencerart.ku.edu
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