Majestry of Trees , a tribute to the mighty Herbie 1793-2010 & friends

This is gallery Talk WMPG's Window into the Portland Maine world of Art with your host Lars

North of the city of Portland there are several smaller communities, None suffered more of a loss this year than the town of Yarmouth .  The Mighty Herbie , The Mighty Elm , the largest Elm in New England , estimated to have been a we sapling in the 1790's, over 200years old with height of over 125' & a crown close to 200' across,  Herbie was one impressive tree.   After a fifty year battle with Dutch Elm disease Herbie was cut down , you could say Euthanize.  Now the love of trees grows deep (sorry about pun) in Yarmouth and a new Gallery show has opened in the Yarmouth Town Library Galleries, yes galleries as in 2 galleries. The Main Gallery hosts a Group exhibit dedicated to celebrating trees.  Works in print, paint (Oils, acrylics & watercolors),graphite, collage, fabric and book show case the talents of over 30 artists.   What I like about group shows is the diversity of medium and ideas,  this show does not disappoint as it celebrates the life, form and being of trees in more ways than one could imagine.

In the New Gallery 2, the library has been transformed with an installation art piece that takes you inside into the canopy of the elm tree and shares information about the little know reproductive structures of the Elm "The pods".  Strings of pods and a huge block print canopy of branches make this gallery space a 3 dimensional wonder that beckons you to enter in and mingle. Once in the vibe is calming & almost meditative. Project Director Mardie Weldon  coordinated the talents of artist Sue Hammerland, Lars Lindgren, school students and the towns senior citizens to construct over 400 elm seed pods and print 600 yards of fabric.  The exhibit is inspiring in many ways; First the organization of the towns people is an art many politicians would envy, secondly the installation art piece for me is what art is about ! It's a 360 degree visual display that provides the opportunity to enter into a seldom seen or experienced wonderland.   

To view a video of the exhibit click here

Why Go to Yarmouth's Merrill Library to see the Group show & the installation art piece the Majesty of Trees?

Because Your good mind needs good art! 

 The Gallery Talk is made possible by the University of Southern Maine and the generosity of you the WMPG community of listener-supporters.  The Gallery Talk blog is the text version of the art rant heard every Thursday at 7am , 5 & 8:30pm  On WMPG Radio 90.9 FM , 104.1 FM and streaming 24/7 at http://www.wmpg.org/