ART FROM THE EDGE OF THE BOREAL FOREST: REFLECTING BIODIVERSITY

Ten Minnesota botanical artists working with a forest ecologist, an ornithologist and an entomologist have created a visual archive of ten trees in Minnesota’s northern boreal forest most vulnerable to climate change. “Art from the Edge of the Boreal Forest: Reflecting Biodiversity” at the James J. Hill House in St. Paul features 120 original works of art. The birds, insects and plants associated with the trees, plus those expected to migrate into the forest are also included, as are several decorative wood vessels created by Bob Carls, woodturning artist and co-owner of the Ripple River Art Gallery in Aitkin, MN.

This collection is important as an archival record because the ecology is undergoing slow, silent but significant change due to disturbances caused by fire, invasive insects and stressful climate conditions. The ecosystems on the lower edge of the boreal forest, such as those in northern Minnesota, are much more susceptible to these environmental disturbances.

This exhibit runs from January 18 - June 21, 2020. The James J. Hill House is at 240 Summit Ave. in St. Paul. Admission to the gallery only is free. The $6/$10 admission fee for the house includes the gallery, and Minnesota Historical Society members are also free.

The opening for the exhibit will be in the spring. To keep informed on current events, programs, and special offers related to the exhibition, subscribe to the MNHS e-newsletter: https://www.mnhs.org/enews

Kathleen Franzen

Director of Exhibits

Boreal Forest Tree Project

mnborealart@gmail.com