Art Installation Has Bethel Park Trees In Skirts

The majestic trees of Bethel’s Meckauer Park on Shelter Rock Road will soon be wearing pink skirts, thanks to Bethel artist Elizabeth White’s exhibit titled, appropriately, Tree Skirts. Sponsored by Bethel Arts, it runs from June 23–September 23. The public is invited to a free opening-day reception on June 23, from 4-5 p.m.

Meckauer’s trees decked out in what resembles ballet tutus is more than mere whimsy. Tree Skirts celebrates the rising roles that women of the world are taking in leadership positions. Ms. White explains: “I created the exhibit after reflecting on scientific discoveries about the dynamics of tree communities and how they play an integral part in holding our planet together. The impact has been finding its way into our human narrative. And, of course, Mother Nature’s support system has long been likened to feminine principles of nourishment and care.” The exhibit is also a signal to come together for a renewal and rebalancing of what Ms. White calls “our evolutionary dance.”

The debut of Tree Skirts was at Beechwood Arts & Innovation in Westport. Since then, it has traveled to three New York venues: Tilly Foster Farm in Brewster, Mills Historic Park in Mahopac, and the Rail Trail in Ulster. Ms. White noted that the installation also “makes surprise appearances in unexpected locations from time to time.” Her idea for the Bethel showing is the result of a conversation with Janice Chrzescijanek, Bethel Arts board chairman. According to Ms. Chrzescijanek, “Tree Skirts aligned with Bethel Arts ‘Arts in View’ program, our initiative to assist local artists find locations to exhibit their work. After the Bethel Arts board endorsed it, I got approval from the Bethel Parks and Recreation Department for the Meckauer Park installation.”

Elizabeth White has exhibited nationally and internationally. Her work, which ranges from the ephemeral to the concrete, uses natural and found objects, cement, and sometimes video. Themes often reflect environmental or social concerns. A long-time Bethel resident, she divides her time between her artwork and a video production company, Bob Becker Marketing & Communications, that she founded with her husband. For more information about her work, go to her website here.

Bethel Arts is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, all-volunteer community organization with a focus on building, promoting, and supporting Bethel’s arts and creative community. You can visit their website here.