The birds in the Hope Tree are inspired by the work of a local artist, mentor and friend, Don Seiden. Don was a prolific artist, early art therapist in the Midwestern United States, the founder of the graduate Art Therapy program at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and (thankfully) one of our teachers.
Don pioneered a technique of using tinfoil and masking tape to create sculptures as large as a life size rhinoceros and as delicate as a bird. He created countless sculptures with this medium which made sculpture more accessible to his students and the people he worked with as an art therapist. Don created life size birds and hung them in the trees of his neighborhood, Rogers Park in Chicago, for others to discover. He hoped that they would inspire unexpected smiles and joy as these birds provided a bit of beauty and wonder by discovering them in nature.
We hope you will be inspired to spread some joy and share your hopes too! If you are local, please join for art making demonstrations with local artists at the Fire Pit every Saturday 3-5pm in February. Kids Create Change is excited to invite you to make birds with us on Saturday, February 27th from 3-5pm.
You are invited to add a bird to our evolving installation all month long. Here is an inspiring example of a bird mobile made with recycled materials by Maya @superrslav. We love how community members are making this project their own and inspiring a bit joy and wonder through their art. Please share your birds and hopes in the Hope Tree and tag us #kidscreatechange, #hopetree, #evanstonartonects and #evanstonmade so we can be sure to share your image with the community!
Follow this link for inspiration on adding to the Hope Tree!
Check out the Evanston Made website for details on events all month long at the Canal Shores Golf Course.
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