OPENING – The Wonder of DC Trees

Zenith Community Arts Foundation (ZCAF) Presents:

The Wonders of DC Trees

at the Ven Gallery in the Embassy Row Hotel

2015 Massachusetts Ave., NW WDC 20036

Featuring Artists: Anne Bouie, Lisa Conway, Luc Fielder, Margery Goldberg, Ronni Jolles, Carol Newmyer, Judith Peck, Larry Ringgold, Ellen Sinel, Jed Smalley, Lynda Smith-Bugge, Bradley Stevens, Jennifer Wagner, Robert Weston

Show Dates: November 1, 2024 – January 31, 2025

Opening Reception: November 1, 6-8pm

Fall Trees at Smithsonian Castle by Bradley Stevens

ZCAF’s exhibition “The Wonder of DC Trees” at Zenith Gallery showcases parts of a traveling exhibition, funded by Events DC, and accompanied by original artworks using tree themes to celebrate DC’s leafy canopy. Included in this exhibition are sculptures, paintings, and mixed media.

The exhibition of original artwork not only takes the tree as a starting point, but also exploits arboreal remains like bark, twigs, driftwood, lumber, or tree pulp as the medium. Subjects vary widely. A path through the woods evokes the stark enchantment of Rock Creek Park. Contrasting veneers suggest the shape of trees. A heron haunts the swampy sphere of cattail and deadfall. Steps lead upward to nature’s cathedral door. In addition, there is figurative work carved in wood and a painting of an elm in front of the iconic Smithsonian Castle.

The traveling exhibition of collapsible panels was developed in partnership with Casey Trees, who provided the content and graphics for the panels. These panels bring awareness of the many role’s trees play in building a greener and more climate-resilient city for future generations. Attention is given to street beautification and park greenspace, and the selection of different species to best complement the architectural scale and character of distinctive settings. Flood, erosion control, and wildlife support also figure in the rich mix of arboreal impacts. The panel on recycling features ZCAF’s own experience converting downed local trees into dried lumber for the Pre-Apprenticeship Carpentry Training program at Ballou STAY Opportunity Academy in Ward 8.

From April 1 to May 31, 2025, at the Martin Luther King Library in downtown DC. From June to December 2025, individual DC branch libraries will showcase the traveling panels.