Two weeks have passed since the grand opening of Trees of Onondaga: An Art Exhibition at the beautiful Onondaga Free Library in Syracuse, NY.

I decided to make this post visually interesting and simple by sharing with you all the moments that made this event really special. To learn more about this project read Melinda Johnson's beautiful article at "Artist Maria Rizzo ends her community tree projects with art exhibition,".

To follow are some pictures of the event taken by photographer, Ray Trudell.

At the event, I gave the 1st limited edition print to each of the photographers whose local trees were selected to be painted by me in 2014 then Tom Howard gave a wonderful presentation about some of the best trees we have in Onondaga county!

Lastly, the Symbolic Tree created by 45 Onondaga County residents was finally unveiled. But before showing the final piece, I want to share some of the many people who painted into this piece throughout 2014.

And now is the time to show the final piece!

The Onondaga Symbolic Tree, created by forty-five Onondaga County residents, was donated to the Onondaga Free Library on Saturday, March 14, 2015. It's limited edition prints are available online at https://squareup.com/market/maria-rizzo-art

Credits:

My latest projects were made possible with a $2,500 Individual Artist Commission Grant from CNY Arts Decentralization Program.
Here is a list of participating libraries and residents:
   •   Solvay Public Library, April 5: Wendy Pitoniak, Pattie Hicks-Fiegl, Suzanne Masters, Mitzie Testani and Teresa Gardner-Barndollar.
   •   Liverpool Public Library, April 13: Domenico Gigante, Mary Mollica and Kathryn Wehrung.
   •   Fayetteville Free Library, April 19: Nicole Moss, Lewis Karpel and Angela Cwickla.
   •   Skaneateles Library, April 26: Megan Jae Riggs, Renee Marati and Deb Tomushunas.
   •   Onondaga Free Library, May 4: Ray Trudell, Susi Buschbacher and Lynn Hofsonner.
   •   Salina Library, May 17: Vicky Storey, Celine Nicholas, Kathleen Reed-Buck and Anne Iles.
   •   Fairmount Community Library, May 31: Marylin L. Marcy, Dan Elsbey and Linda Helles.
   •   Maxwell Memorial Library, June 7: Shailesh Joshi, Mick Mather, Rena Brower and Theresa Stachurski.
   •   Baldwinsville Public Library, June 14: Maryann Guinta, Steve Nyland and Jeff Madison.
   •   East Syracuse Free Library, June 21: Angela Arrey-Wastavino.
   •   LaFayette Public Library, June 28: Connie Marion.
   •   Dewitt Community Library, July 12: Father and son, Nick and Nick Lozoponi.
   •   Marcellus Free Library, July 19: Debbie Fratter, Paulette Quinn and Stephanie Moncavage.
   •   Manlius Library, Sept. 6: Ellen McCoy and Phoebe Vitharana.
   •   Tully Library, Sept. 20: Sonya Shepherd, Brianna Darling and Isabella Puentes.
   •   Petit Library, Nov. 1: Stasya Erickson and Lynne Odell.

This week I will highlight the story of Steven Marrone, one of the eight winners of the Best Onondaga County Tree Photo Challenge, an interactive art project that asked Onondaga County residents to go into nature, find the most beautiful trees in our county, and send their suggestions to me with a photo.

1. Describe yourself: name, age, location, what do you do for a living and what are some of your hobbies? Steven Marrone, 32, Syracuse. Job: Owner- Steven Marrone Painting. Hobbies: Hiking, Oil Painting, Photography

2. Why did you choose to photograph this particular tree/ trees? This particular tree is amazing to see in person. There are just so many angles to capture. Each shot can portray many different emotions. The bark has so much depth, that if you stare at a section, your eyes will play tricks on you.

3. What time of the year was it? Summer

4- What is the exact location of this tree? The tree is located in Burnet Park right behind the swimming pool. 43.0406524,-76.185678

5 - Do you know the type of tree you have captured? Does this tree have a particular meaning to you? Willow. This is my favorite tree to stare up at and take photos. Each photo is so different.

6 - How did you find out about this challenge? Social media

The making of 'Willow Tree'

Below you will see the step by step development of this acrylic painting.

The finished painting, below, I hope you like it!

This project is made possible with funds from the Decentralization Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature and administered by CNY Arts.

~ Maria Rizzo

Unveiling the Symbolic Tree

The Story behind the 'Willow Tree'

The making of 'Willow Tree'

MARIA RIZZO