Charlotte Weber

I was visiting the Botanical Gardens and viewing the outstanding exhibit of sculpture artist Patrick Dougherty, who creates huge objects by weaving vines when I realized that fibers and outdoor exhibits are not incompatible.  I realized that textile art didn’t need to be limited to adorning a single individual and only appreciated by a small audience but could represent the work of many and should be enjoyed by many more – I just needed to think about how that could happen.

As I researched public displays of fiber arts, my professor, Bhakti Ziek, was a real inspiration and encouraged me to pursue knitting – because it tied so closely to my personal interests. The concept began to jell and I began to seek out a public setting where I could have the community of knitters come together and contribute their work to a truly outstanding public display.

Our society has a rich history of community members banding together to foster the creation of something unique. It can be hand quilted blankets or patch-work quilts, knitted caps for cancer patients or blankets for newborns – our culture abounds with examples of sacrificial work of skilled artisans creating something unique for someone else.  And so it is with the wardrobe of nature that was created here at The Farm at South Mountain.  Each tree was uniquely decorated in a theme all to its own – but each the result of the donations of many individuals.

And while I was fitting the trees I was able to observe how people react to public art.  They pose by it for pictures or snap a photo with their cell phone for that someone special that comes to mind. They talk about that special sweater or scarf received as a gift from a loving family member.  Even children, who may lack a rich history of memories, instead create new ones by playfully feeling the texture, exploring the crevices or quietly studying the color.  Each person leaves with a unique and wonderful memory, of knitting, of nature, of color and texture. A few leave a thought or jot a quick note of advice, or even toss out a wish to the message tree.

The time has past for you to personnally visit this display - but you can find out more about what people wrote to Message or Wishing tree. A hand-made book will be available at The College in the fall of 2009 to commemorate the display. It is made up entirely of drawings and sayings from the tree.