Beech Tree Art Gathering
Our beloved American Beech Tree, estimated to be around 140 years old, has to be removed. Because the tree carries so many memories and nostalgia, we have decided to memorialize it how we know best, through art. That’s why we are inviting our community to take part in a community event. On May 9th, between the hours of 9:00 am and noon, please join us on campus to honor the tree through art. Consider creating work inspired by the tree through plein-air painting, colored pencils, sketching, photography, clay, or collage. We will provide some materials, including paint, colored pencils, and paper, as well as some snacks.
May 9th | 9:00 am – Noon | Art Gathering
On Friday, June, 26th, interested artists can bring their piece to be displayed at the first summer concert. At that time a winner will be picked from the artwork. A chosen artwork will be purchased from the artist for $200, and become the property of Baker Hunt. The work will then be framed using the very wood of the Beech Tree, and displayed on campus including artist recognition.
June 26th | 6:00 pm | Art display of works inspired by the Beech Tree
The health of our tree…
We received the unfortunate news that our beloved American Beech tree needed to be removed. Several years ago we noticed a fungus, which was identified as Brittle Cinder Fungus, an incurable infection that destroys the tree trunk’s structure at the base. At that time, Virginia Kerst paid for remediation: canopy reduction, nutrient treatments, core samples for studies, etc. Baker Hunt has continued the nutrient treatments quarterly for the last four years. These steps and treatments “bought” the tree an additional 4 years! However, recent tests have shown that the fungus has grown, and the tree is no longer viable. Under the advice of 6 different tree experts from several reputable local companies, we must remove the tree for the safety of our campus and students, due to the progression and internal destruction the fungus is causing
Pictured: Founder Margaretta Baker Hunt and niece, Kate Scudder, with the young Beech Tree.
