Forest of Dreams: Contemporary Tree Sculpture features the work of
15 celebrated artists from around the world.

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, the nation’s premier botanic and sculpture experience, is delighted to announce a compelling exhibition of tree-related works by 15 major artists.

Forest of Dreams: Contemporary Tree Sculpture will run October 20, 2023–February 25, 2024.

This engaging and timely exhibition unites the diverse work of national and international artists to explore the multifaceted associations and dimensions of trees—from metaphorical and ecological to the mythological and personal. Forest of Dreams delves deep into the intricate realm of trees and invites guests to reevaluate their relationship with nature and the living world around them.

Trees, as a source of life and as symbols of growth and connectivity, have always held a profound place in human culture and consciousness. Bringing a vast range of materials and methods to the subject, the artists in this exhibition convey the full power and poignancy of trees. Several hybrid sculptures, combining human and tree anatomy, serve to remind us of our close kinship with these complex botanical beings.  

“We are excited to present this lavish exhibition that celebrates the grandeur and value of trees,” said Suzanne Ramljak, Chief Curator at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. “While trees are essential to our lives, we tend to overlook them due to their familiarity and ubiquity. The rich and surreal sculpture in Forest of Dreams helps open our eyes to these marvelous organisms.”

Visitors will have the pleasure of exploring the enchanting and thought-provoking work of 15 artists, many of them never before exhibited at Meijer Gardens: Emilie Brzezinski, Louise Bourgeois, Nick Cave, Kim Cridler, Tom Czarnopys, Michele Oka Doner, Peter Frie, Hugh Hayden, Jim Hodges, Patrick Jacobs, Maya Lin, Robert Lobe, Roxy Paine, Rona Pondick, Ai Weiwei. Together these artists conjure a lush arboretum of the imagination.

In tandem with the contemporary works featured in Forest of Dreams, Meijer Gardens is showcasing its permanent collection of tree-themed works throughout the Sculpture Park and grounds. Artists such as David Nash, Giuseppe Penone, Ai Weiwei, and Laura Ford have contributed striking botanical creations that meld with the natural beauty of the park, creating a harmonious dialogue between art, culture, and nature.

EXHIBITION ACTIVITIES:
Unless otherwise noted, programs are included in the cost of admission and registration is not required.

Metal Trees: A Sculpture Walk
Wednesday, October 25, 1–2:30 pm
Amber Oudsema, Curator of Arts Education at Meijer Gardens and Adjunct Professor of Art History at Grand Valley State University

Stroll the Sculpture Park and grounds to discover a trove of sculptures resembling and inspired by trees. Compare the outdoor works to those in Forest of Dreams and discuss tree symbolism while discovering the commonalities within our own sculptural arboretum.

Trees as Artistic Metaphor: Identity, Body, Fashion
Sunday, November 12, 2 pm
Suzanne Eberle, PhD, Professor Emerita, Kendall College of Art and Design

Survey the ways trees have been depicted throughout the history of fashion and art as metaphorical stand-ins for humans in various guises. Consider how artists have chosen to sympathize and identify with trees, as found in the Forest of Dreams exhibition and beyond.

Exhibition Tour: Into the Forest
Friday, December 1, 1 pm
Suzanne Ramljak, Chief Curator of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Enjoy an intimate journey into the depths of Forest of Dreams with exhibition curator Suzanne Ramljak. Explore the rich associations of the chosen work by 15 artists and trace the thematic connections within the Sculpture Galleries and their larger cultural, historical, and environmental ties.

A full list of exhibition activities can be found at: MeijerGardens.org/calendar

Forest of Dreams: Contemporary Tree Sculpture is made possible by:

Bill Padnos and Margy Kaye
Louis and Helen Padnos Foundation
The Meijer Foundation
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Foundation
Botanic and Sculpture Societies of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Townsquare Media