Tapes-Trees in the Park unveiled next week

ROSEBURG, Ore. – The public is invited to come check out an art gallery set in the trees next week – and throughout summer if conditions permit.

Roseburg Parks and Recreation has teamed up with the Umpqua Valley Arts Association to cosponsor an arboreal art exhibit called “Tapes-Trees in the Park,” which will spotlight the work of local fiber artists in Fir Grove Park.

The fiber art will be unveiled on trees in a public grand opening ceremony that will be held at noon Thursday, June 22, in the parking lot near the Stewart Park Drive Bridge, aka the “Green Bridge.”

The artwork will then be showcased throughout UVA’s 54th Annual Summer Arts Festival Friday, June 23, through Sunday, June 25. The plan is to keep the art project up in Fir Grove Park throughout the summer.

“We’re really excited to get the reaction from the community about an outdoor art gallery like this,” said Roseburg Parks and Recreation Coordinator Tracy Moser. “It’s the first time we’ve done anything like this and feedback that we’ve been getting from the participants has been super-positive and their enthusiasm is getting us way more excited.”

Knitters, crocheters and weavers were busy this winter and spring producing artwork for this fun, colorful event. Moser received 36 registrations and those individuals, teams or groups worked on fiber art projects that will decorate 42 deciduous or evergreen trees such as maples, cedars, Oregon white oaks and ash trees growing along an accessible paved path on Fir Grove Park’s north side near the South Umpqua River.

Moser and helpers will take the artworks out to Fir Grove Park and stitch them around the trunk of each tree with the hope that the works can remain in place for three months if the elements don’t interfere.

For more information, call 541-492-6899 or email Moser at parks@cityofroseburg.org.