Exhibition Speaks from Claremont’s Urban Forest

March 20, 2017 (Claremont, CA) – The Claremont Museum of Art’s upcoming exhibition, Tree Speak: Interpretations of the Rustlings will present visual interpretations, by artists working in the area, which ascend from the concept or image of trees and leaves in nature. The exhibition organized by Rebecca Hamm will open on April 1 with a reception from 6-9:00pm during Art Walk and remain on view through July 23, 2017.

A survey of Claremont’s long history as the City of Trees will be presented by Claremont Heritage.  The city’s tree-planting tradition began in 1907 and many of the Heritage Groves and Landscapes remain today. With trees threatened by drought and disease, the City is seeking ways to preserve our Urban Forest for future generations.

The exhibition will feature artists living in Claremont’s urban forest who have found their voice in nature: Steve Comba, Jeff Faust, Athena H Hahn, Amy Maloof, Barbara Schenck, Steve Schenck, Christopher Toovey, Georgette Unis, Dan Van Clapp and Jane Park Wells plus poetry by Beth Benjamin. Major support is provided by West Coast Arborists with generous additional support from Community Home Energy Retrofit Project (CHERP) and Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden.

The Claremont Museum of Art is located in the historic Claremont Depot at 200 W. First Street, just steps away from the Metrolink Station. The museum is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, noon to 4:00pm. Admission is $5 and free for Claremont Museum of Art members and children under 18. The museum is also open from 6 to 8pm on the first Saturday of every month for the Art Walk.

The first Sunday of the every month is Free Family Day with free admission and ARTStation, a place for children to experience art and engage with local culture. High school students in CMA’s Project ARTstART will lead visitors in an art activity related to the current exhibition and the work of local Claremont artists.

More About the Museum

The Claremont Museum of Art was created to celebrate our community’s rich artistic legacy and to promote the cultural vitality of the region. With high hopes, the museum was incorporated in 2004 and was located in the Packing House for two years.

Since 2010, the museum successfully operated as a “museum without walls.” With over 300 members, the volunteer organization continued to hold numerous events and programs and presented ten exhibitions in borrowed spaces. The Padua Hills Art Fiesta has become a popular annual event held every November. Funds raised have supported Project ARTstART, a successful art education program now in its sixth year serving Claremont schools.

Go to www.claremontmuseum.org for more information about the museum, its history and current programs.

Tree Speak Exhibit Press Release [PDF]