THE LEAFLET

Where Nature’s Canvas Meets Human Creativity
Last week, Casey Trees was honored to attend a special reception hosted by the Zenith Community Arts Foundation (ZCAF) at The Ven at Embassy Row. The event celebrated the launch of ZCAF’s traveling exhibition, The Wonders of DC Trees, a remarkable showcase that combines art and education to emphasize the vital role trees play in shaping a greener, more climate-resilient city.
ZCAF is a dynamic organization that combines the transformative power of art and nature to inspire creativity and connection. ZCAF’s mission is to foster environmental awareness and artistic expression through programs that blend sustainable practices with hands-on learning. Their innovative mobile woodshop exemplifies this mission, offering a creative outlet while promoting the responsible use of natural materials. Casey Trees and ZCAF share a natural synergy rooted in our mutual dedication to preserving and celebrating nature. Our collaboration on projects like the Kennedy Center’s Reach to Forest has highlighted the profound relationship between trees and art, emphasizing how natural elements can inspire and sustain human creativity. Together, we cultivate deeper connections to the environment and showcase the beauty and utility of the natural world.

“Hometown Trees” by Margery Goldberg
The evening was a visual and intellectual feast. Guests were treated to a close-up look at the traveling exhibition panels, developed in collaboration with Casey Trees and funded by Events DC. These collapsible displays explore the many benefits of DC’s trees, from cooling our neighborhoods to capturing carbon and supporting biodiversity. Seeing our work come to life alongside ZCAF’s creative vision was both humbling and inspiring.
Beyond the panels, the exhibition featured original artworks that celebrated DC’s leafy canopy. From sculptures carved out of salvaged wood to paintings of iconic trees like the Smithsonian Castle elm, the artistry reinforced the deep connection between trees and culture. Each piece, whether a whimsical heron crafted from driftwood or an enchanting woodland path evoking Rock Creek Park, reminded us of the beauty and necessity of trees in urban life.
- “Spiraling Up” by Lynda Smith-Bugge
- “Fall Trees at Smithsonian Castle” by Bradley Stevens
- “Standing Continuous Line” by Jed Smalley
- “Branching out in Rock Creek Park” by Ellen Sinel
We want to extend our deepest gratitude to ZCAF for their incredible partnership and vision in creating this exhibition. Their work amplifies the message we at Casey Trees hold close to our hearts: trees are essential to a thriving, livable city. We’re also grateful to Events DC for funding this effort, which will travel throughout the city to educate and inspire residents about the wonders of DC’s urban forest.
We encourage you to keep an eye out for The Wonders of DC Trees as it makes its way through the city. You can currently find it at the Ven Gallery in the Embassy Row Hotel through January 31st. After that, the art will be traveling around to various DC libraries in the spring, starting on April 1st at the Dr. Martin Luther King Library downtown. Let the art and stories of these trees inspire you to see our urban canopy in a new light—and to support efforts to protect and expand it. Scroll down to enjoy a few snapshots from the day!