Virtual Art Show and Sale Celebrating Memorable Third St. Oak Trees

Framed prints of ‘Cathedral Oaks’ are available. If interested, please click here. 10% of each sale will be donated to the Urban Forestry Fund. Pictured: 8”x8” print in 12”x12” frame.

I wanted to share some memories with you all, along with my photograph of West Third Street’s beloved oak trees. My photograph ‘Cathedral Oaks’ was featured and for sale in Chautauqua Art Gallery's virtual art show from November 20, 2021 through January 2, 2022. The online exhibition raised $2,341 dollars for the Urban Forestry Fund through donated proceeds from sold artwork.

From someone who grew up with these magnificent trees for over 10 years, I know that I am fortunate to have them in many of my memories… I watched their leaves change effortlessly with the season. I would hear their acorns fall, bounce & dent the roof of the car. At night I would peek outside to see deer in my yard eating the acorns. I looked up at the stars through their branches & I danced with them when it rained. I would stand in their shadows at night when the street lamp was too bright. These trees held snow so perfectly that they created a winter scene fit for a romantic holiday movie. When friends would bring me home or wait outside, they would be by what I would consider ‘my’ tree. These oaks were the background of my family photos. One year I saved a kitten who climbed 5 feet up the trunk. I can’t tell you how many times I tripped or tried to skateboard down the sidewalks that were pushed up by their incredible one hundred year old roots. I walked beneath their canopy with loved ones. I was in awe with their grace, history and beauty.

During a windstorm I heard the gigantic, one hundred and fifty foot tall, oak across the street fall. My house shook. Nature took a few of them down and the wind felt colder. Not too long after, I found myself waking up to the sound of chainsaws. Again my house shook. This time their trunks landing in the road, cut in pieces that stretched curb to curb. It was beyond sad. These beautiful oak trees that once towered above our homes were now smaller than us. I miss these majestic trees. I felt connected to them & I am still saddened when I think of them gone. Forty-three trees, planted over a century ago, have become just a memory. It’s surreal. Every major event in my life over the last thirteen years involved these oak trees because they always welcomed me home.

Framed prints are available. If interested, please send a message at this link. 10% of each sale will be donated to the Urban Forestry Fund.