What a great day! I had the room set up to exhibit all the work I created during this residency, and throughout the afternoon, a steady stream of familiar faces passed through. Chris counted sixty-five people, which is way more than I thought would come. There were regular park characters, a few local friends, and new acquaintances I’ve met while staying here.

A little research revealed that the Sourwood is one of the few trees that bloom this late in the season. Its flowers are a vital source of nectar for pollinators, which helps spread its seeds and, wonderfully, gives us the distinct and coveted Sourwood honey.

Ginkgos are the oldest living seed plant in the world and the oldest tree species. Scientists estimate that the ginkgo developed around 200 million years ago as the first tree. As I worked, I found myself reflecting on the immense span of time this ancient tree species has witnessed on Earth.

I was featured in the Westerly Sun Newspaper!

The White Oak is one of the “noble trees,” as the park staff calls them. They are trees that have stood for generations before us and will likely remain for generations after we’re gone. Think about that.

For this larger mixed media piece, I wanted to capture the unique, hanging quality of this tree. When you're standing beneath it, it feels like being under a vast umbrella. There's something magical about the experience.

This beautiful Royal Paulownia tree was damaged in a recent windstorm and sadly, that’s when they discovered it was very sick. At just 56 years old, it had grown incredibly fast and earned the title of Rhode Island Champion Tree.

The park superintendent, Alan, had a brilliant idea…

The Himalayan Pine was a bit underwhelming as a Rhode Island Champion Tree on first sight, but as I looked and learned it became a bit more interesting.

Danish artist Thomas Dambo has brought magic to forests and parks around the world with his whimsical, giant wooden trolls. Crafted from recycled materials, these sculptures are full of charm, character, and a sense of adventure. You truly have to see them to believe them. Laura and I adventured today and found two of them!

The Oriental Spruce has an incredible presence, I felt sitting beneath it. Its branches wove around me as I drew and observed all the details. Read on to see how this piece is coming together.

Four drawings and a journal….

Read this journal entry to learn about the Sycamore Maple and Swiss Stone Pine trees in Wilcox Park.

The White Oak in Wilcox Park is estimated to be around 300 years old—and it could live to be as old as 700. Today, I set up beneath its massive branches for several hours and began drawing. My goal was to sharpen my observation skills and reclaim a deeper focus.

See a few photos of the cottage I am staying in and the library that is sponsoring this residency.

I’ve settled into the cottage at Wilcox Park in Westerly, Rhode Island. Today, I walked through the park with the tree map and took notes on the trees that caught my attention. I’ve decided to begin my art series with the white oak, the oldest tree in the park, at an impressive 300 years old.

I packed my studio into a suitcase!

I will be attending an art residency July 14-27, 2025 in Westerly, Rhode Island. Read the accepted proposal I wrote about studying the champion trees in the park.