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A seed of an idea
La Alma / Lincoln ParkAll trees can be found in La Alma/Lincoln Park
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PS You Are Here Grant
P.S. You Are Here (PSYAH) is a grant program supporting neighborhood-based, community-led projects that activate city-owned, outdoor public spaces. PSYAH projects build civic engagement, honor heritage, beautify neighborhoods and enrich communities.
In 2022, Denver Arts & Venues will invest $100,000 in funding for projects to be implemented in 2022-2024. Grants of up to $10,000 are available to individuals, and non-profit and for-profit businesses to build innovative, temporary projects that are rooted in community collaborations.
In 2022, Denver Arts & Venues will invest $100,000 in funding for projects to be implemented in 2022-2024. Grants of up to $10,000 are available to individuals, and non-profit and for-profit businesses to build innovative, temporary projects that are rooted in community collaborations.
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The Story of Tree Tales
After Melody received the grant she selected the eight storytellers and their unique stories. There are eight stories featured in the eight trees. Visitors can use the QR code on the tree to listen to each Tree Tale. These enchanting Tree Tales are beautifully written by the storytellers. The storytellers are: Ana Mettler, Angel Vigil, Erin M. Banta, Sudri Castillio, Cole Chernushin, Emy McGuire, Sangita Patel, Alison Travacchio. |
Partner with Arts Street
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Melody partnered with Arts Street to work with their student intern program. Melody worked with the interns for two months. The interns participated three ways in the creation of this collaborative art installation. First they wrote their own Tree Tales, then they photographed the park trees and finally they sewed and screen printed the 80 flags along side Melody.
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Writing the Tree Tales |
The interns wrote incredibly personal stories, some biographical and some fiction. This aspect of the project was particularly rewarding because it showed how connected they were to trees.
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Photographing the trees in the park
When Melody and the interns went to the park to photograph the trees it was winter. We bundled up and explored the trees through the lens of our cameras. It was wonderful seeing their artistic perspectives and creativity showing up as they wandered around taking photos of the beautiful winter trees.
Recording the stories
We were fortunate to have partnered with Youth on Record to record our final stories. Jesus was so generous and kind to spend the afternoon recording 16 stories. They sound absolutely incredible.
Converting photos to transparencies
Another fortunate partnership in this project was with Ink Lounge. Stuart, the owner, graciously opened his screenprinting business for an afternoon and taught us how to coat our screens with the photo emulsion. He also generously donated all the transparencies and many screens so we would have enough for 16 screens to be created. In one afternoon we had completed all of the screens.
Making the screens for printing
Sewing the flags
Many of the interns didn't know how to sew. They all were very excited to learn this skill. (They also got to iron the flags)
Creating a texture with paint
In order to have more depth and create more interesting flags we added texture first.
Screenprinting
After creating screens from the photos we took in the park we screen printed on the flags. This process is much more like painting with stencils. This took several days since the flags needed to dry between layers. It was so much fun!
Finally we presented to our friends, families and other official guests.
Listen to the Tree Tales
Photo by Melody Epperson
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 Photo by Melody Epperson
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Photo by Melody Epperson
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Photo by Melody Epperson
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Photo by Melody Epperson
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Photo by Melody Epperson
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Photo by Melody Epperson
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Photo by Melody Epperson
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Original Tree Tales by Arts Street Denver Youth
This experiential art and sound installation will enrich visitors lives by fostering a sense of belonging and connection with nature. It honors diverse cultures and allows local artists and neighborhood youth to connect in a more meaningful way with trees. When visitors encounter these vibrant trees they will also see a sign with a QR code that leads them, via their cell phone, to listen to the rich traditional tales. This encounter with the trees and Tree Tales will provide a greater sense of peace and well-being as well as a deeper appreciation of nature both in their own community and the planet.
La Alma/Lincoln Park is open to the public 7:00 am- dark. Visitors are encouraged to come back multiple times through the 8 months of the installation.
La Alma/Lincoln Park is open to the public 7:00 am- dark. Visitors are encouraged to come back multiple times through the 8 months of the installation.
This project is through Denver Arts and Venues thanks to the PS You are Here Grant