Artwork Makes Grand Entrance at Knoch Knolls Park

A sculptural garden of seven trees framed on either end by upended tree root plates (roots surrounding tree trunks) will begin to take shape at Knoch Knolls Park on Tuesday, July 12 from approximately 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Entitled, See the Forest (For the Trees), the art installation by artist Jenny Kendler offers a close-up look at tree roots and a chance to decipher a hidden message. The installation will be the centerpiece of the Naperville Park District's Nature Art Week at Knoch Knolls Nature Center August 6-14, 2016.

The Park District is collaborating with the Bolingbrook office of Bartlett Tree Experts to bring Kendler's art to Knoch Knolls Nature Center, blending art with environmental education, including ties to ancient language and culture.

"In today's world, where people seem to be increasingly disconnected from nature, we may feel concerned that many people take trees for granted - not seeing how truly beautiful, complicated and deeply important they are," explained artist Jenny Kendler. "Trees have become practically invisible to many.

"My project, which takes the form of a conceptually rich, sculptural garden, draws connections between ancient culture and modern science, seeking to bring awareness to some of the most interesting and important ways in which humans and trees relate, questioning the sidelined place of trees in our modern lives."

The artist will continue to work on the project throughout the week, after which the completed piece will be available for the public to view, with signage explaining the background of the sculpture and how to decode the hidden message in the trees. Kids and adults also are invited to participate in Nature Art Week, August 6-14, which will include a make-and-take art/craft project, tree-related self-guided activities, tree-identification walks, a TLC for Trees tree-care talk, and an Art & the Environment and artist Meet and Greet.