Exhibition - Stump-In-Situ at Ely Center of Contemporary Art

Some of the prints created from this event, along with other works by the artists will be on display in the flat file. This is a merging of performance, printmaking and public art to activate an awareness of ecological issues happening here and now. Curated by John O'Donnell.

Activating the urban landscape by envisioning the potential of the stumps that remain from the felled local trees, ECOCA is inviting five artists to reclaim the remains of felled trees on Trumbull Street in New Haven.  Building on a long history of woodcut printmaking, these selected artists will use their skills as established printmakers to create art by carving into the existing stump to make an image.  The image is carved into the wood and can be printed like a huge stamp.  The process is eco-friendly and a great way to activate overlooked aspects of the relationship between trees and urban settings.  Traditionally, printmakers produce art in a print studio, which is a relatively private activity.  This project Is a way to help artists and audiences reconsider traditional approaches to printmaking, public art, and ecological issues affecting our community.  

Each artist will carve an image that can be printed by hand, using eco-friendly ink or a wax rubbing crayon.  The process will involve the artists working on the stump with traditional wood carving hand tools or more contemporary dremel tools. The artist will informally demonstrate their process and help community members understand printmaking reimagined in a new context.  The fun part will be people attending the opening will see the artists printing from the stumps.  In many ways, this is a merging of performance, printmaking, and public art to activate an awareness of ecological issues happening here and now. We invite you, the community members, to participate in this collaborative and interactive artistic process.