Artisan Woods: Explore and discover art in the forest

On display June 21 - October 31, 2009

Arbor Day Farm's outdoor exhibit, Artisan Woods, will inspire, amaze, and provide a new perspective on trees. Wander through the forest and explore all nine nature-inspired works of art, created by regional artists.

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On exhibit:

A) Limb Tunnel

Artist: Matthew Burke; Assistant Professor of Art at University of Kansas

Explore and walk inside this slinking 60-foot tunnel woven from hardwood lathes of oak, hackberry, cherry, and walnut wood.
More about Matthew

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  View the Photo Essay:
  An Artist at Work
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B) Life Below: Exposing the Roots

Artist: Leslie T. Iwai; Omaha, Nebraska

Did you ever think about what happens under the soil? Get a worm's eye view of the roots of a tree with this exhibit. Branches are meticulously wrapped in red wool felt and dipped in aromatic beeswax, displaying the lifelines of trees that go unseen.
More about Leslie

C) Fly Away Home

Artist: Beth O'Hanlon; Lincoln, Nebraska

See the connection between trees and the rest of the world through the imagery of copper birds.
More about Beth

D) Not Far From the Tree

Artist: Carl Weiss; Springfield, Nebraska

Before a mighty oak stretches to the heavens, it starts as a small acorn full of hope. This oversized look at an acorn, made of concrete resin and hand-forged steel, depicts an oak tree sprouting skyward.
More about Carl

E) Fifty Birds and One Squirrel

Artist: Leslie Bruning; Omaha, Nebraska

See how many birds you can identify with these pieces displayed throughout the trails at the Tree Adventure. Each bird silhouette is cut out of a rectangular slab of oak wood.
More about Leslie

F) No Bears, Please!

Artist: Chuck Turner; Omaha, Nebraska

Experience a larger-than-life scene from Goldilocks and the Three Bears...with a tree-inspired twist.

Chuck Turner is a self-taught craftsman who works primarily in wood and natural materials. As a freelance furniture designer and carpenter, Chuck specializes in creating unique, tailor-made pieces that serve both in beauty and function.

G) Praying in the Garden of the Gods

Artist: Adam Weiss; Springfield, Nebraska

Two giant praying mantis enjoy a quiet place in the woods. Made of copper, these big bugs feature moveable parts.
More about Adam

H) Song and Nurture

Artist: John Hachmeister; associate professor of art at University of Kansas.
Throughout history, mankind has always used trees to provide shelter. This pyramid-like exhibit stretches 14 feet high and highlights early human use of trees to create safe havens.
More about John

I) Bird Nest

Artist: Karla Karr; Omaha, Nebraska
Experience first-hand what it's like to be a bird in a nest with this human-sized exhibit. Made of woven iron and natural woods found at Arbor Day Farm.
More about Karla

Artisan Woods Special Events

• Sunday, June 21: Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening of exhibit
• July 13-17: Artisan Woods Summer Day Camp with resident artist Barbara Schroeder - Find out more about Summer Art Camp