Treasuring Trees: exhibition

Treasuring Trees: celebrating Derbyshire’s Trees

19^th February – 8^th June 2022

Exhibition of painting, photography, poetry and puppets at Buxton Museum and Art Gallery.

Check with Museum for opening hours: https://buxtonmuseumandartgallery.wordpress.com/

Buxton Museum and Art Gallery, Terrace Rd, Buxton, SK17 6DA, 01629 533540

As the world changes, our trees are under threat. With the effects of rising temperatures, forest clearance and diseases like Ash Dieback, we are losing trees all the time. In this year when, to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, there are plans to plant 1 million trees, three Derbyshire artists invite people to look at trees more deeply.

“With this exhibition, ‘Treasuring Trees’, we aim to encourage conversations about trees, to build a deeper understanding of the relationships between trees, landscapes and ourselves. We’d like people to celebrate Derbyshire’s trees”.

An appreciation of trees can foster personal wellbeing and encourage the community to become more involved in biodiversity and climate change projects.

From tree-crowned Lows and Tors, to ravine woodlands, to nature reclaimed quarries, to green spaces in towns, trees grow into our lives across the centuries. The artists have drawn inspiration from history, landscapes and communities about their local trees. Their work creates a reminder of the presence of those trees in our lives and a warning of what we might lose.

The three artists have worked individually, together and with the community to create this celebration of Derbyshire’s trees.

Sarah EA Parkin is a watercolour painter depicting Derbyshire Dales landscapes with trees and highlighting areas on the point of change.

Gordon MacLellan is a poet, storyteller and puppeteer. Drawing together personal work and community projects, Gordon’s work reflects emotional responses to Ash Dieback and the changing woodland landscape.

Valerie Dalling is a Peak District photographer who has looked at birch trees in the National Park. Focusing on community health and wellbeing, her leisurely reflective approach aims to encourage a deeper appreciation of the landscape.