A Forest of Creativity: Artist Trees Exhibit
Photos by Michelle Waters
Every year, the Parkersburg Art Center transforms into a wonderland of imagination for its annual Artist Trees Exhibit—and this year’s display might be the most creative yet. Debuting during the Center’s Holiday Open House & Artist Market on Shop Small Saturday, the exhibit is a community tradition that blends holiday spirit, art history, and pure playfulness.
At the heart of the event is a beloved challenge given to the Art Center’s staff, volunteers, and local school groups: trim a holiday tree inspired by a famous artist or iconic work of art. What results from that prompt is nothing short of magical—trees that aren’t just decorated, but interpreted. Each one becomes a mini-tribute to the artist it represents, reimagined through texture, color, and inventive materials. The longer you wander among them, the more delightful details you discover.
This year’s display includes an impressive range of artistic influences. Participants drew inspiration from children’s illustrators, master painters, contemporary sculptors, architects, fiber artists, and more. The result is a whimsical forest of creativity that celebrates both the visual arts and the imagination of our local community.
Here is the full list of Artist Trees featured in the 2025 exhibit:
Criss Elementary & Kindergarten Classes — Artist: Bobby Rosenstock
Greta Guimond — Artist: Beatrix Potter
Virginia Killian — Artist: Gloria Vanderbilt
Lisa Kirgis — Artist: JR Tenniel
Artbeat Studio — Artist: Judith Scott
Tracy Love — Artist: MC Escher
Charlotte Dauphin — Artist: Claude Monet
Amy Strobl — Artist: Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh
Kelley Cartwright & Kasey Snyder — Artist: Rembrandt
Eryn Gray — Artist: Ann Weber
Abby Hayhurst — Artist: Ryan Fowler
ArtStart Preschool — Artist: Nathan Sawaya
Jennifer Carpenter — Artist: Simon Bull
Bonnie Proudfoot & Stained Glass Class — Artist: Frank Lloyd Wright
Diana Wilson — Artist: Gerald Scarfe / Pink Floyd
Allison Burner Lauderman — Artist: Chiharu Shiota
Beyond being visually stunning, the Artist Trees Exhibit also serves as a fundraiser for the Art Center. Visitors are invited to bring spare change—or bills—and vote for their favorite trees. Each coin dropped into a tree’s container counts as a vote, adding a lighthearted competitive twist that helps support the center’s programming.
The Artist Trees Exhibit is on display through December 20, giving families, art lovers, and curious visitors plenty of time to explore, vote, and be inspired. Whether you’re stopping in during a downtown outing or making a special trip, the exhibit is a joyful reminder of the creativity rooted in our community—and a perfect way to celebrate the holiday season.
All photography by Michelle Waters Photo. While Michelle’s photos are stunning, be sure to visit the exhibit in person to see the trees up close - each creator put in an incredible amount of detail!