November 2 - December 1, 2013
819 Penn Ave
Join Future Tenant and Tree Pittsburgh for the Arbor Aid 2013 juried visual art exhibition, to be held at Future Tenant from November 2 through December 1, 2013.
Featured artists include: Andy Beck, Cory Bonnet, Jason Boone, Richena Brockinson, David Calfo, Matt Gatto, Peter Johnson, Rachel Mathes, Gary Raines, Chuck Sawyer, Khen Thomas, and Aaron Treher.
The artwork was selected by a jury of respected arts professionals from the Pittsburgh area, including: Jason Boone, a craftsman who owns Urban Tree, LLC; Natalie Sweet, exhibitions apprentice at The Society for Contemporary Craft; Phil Hessler, an arts educator and installation artist/photographer, whose work concerns dereliction and displacement; and Adam Kenney, the Executive Director of Touchstone Center for Crafts, in the Laurel Highlands.
The show features artwork made out of, or related to, reclaimed urban wood, which may come from downed or removed trees, materials from once-occupied buildings, or from other urban reclaimed sources. According to juror Natalie Sweet, “each piece was selected not only for the high quality of craftsmanship and innovation, but also for the clear connection it demonstrated to the natural world.” Adam Kenney further expounds that the artists’ “successful efforts drive home the notion that materials may have dynamic second lives that transcend their original purpose and origin."
Opening Night Recap
Future Tenant opened its doors on November 2nd during the Annual Tree Pittsburgh Fundraiser. Guides were available during the night to escort visitors between Future Tenant and the Tree Pittsburgh Fundraiser at the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Art and Education Center, located at 803 Liberty Avenue. Attendees enjoyed food and drink, I Made It (out of wood) local craft market, and musical entertainment.
About Tree Pittsburgh
Tree Pittsburgh is an environmental non-profit organization formed in 2006 and dedicated to enhancing the city of Pittsburgh's vitality by protecting and growing the urban forest. Tree Pittsburgh is to be a leader in creating a healthy, attractive and safe urban forest by inspiring and engaging citizens to maintain plant and protect trees. Tree Pittsburgh works collaboratively with the City of Pittsburgh, community groups, and residents to make a positive impact on the urban forest.
History of Arbor Aid
Arbor Aid was conceived of five years ago by Tree Pittsburgh and late local woodworker John Metzler, founder of the Urban Tree Forge. Arbor Aid celebrates the possibilities presented to us by trees as resources within our city. Rather than make mulch or firewood from urban trees that need to be removed, Tree Pittsburgh encourages giving them a longer life by repurposing them as art, furniture, flooring and everything in between.