The Forest for the Tree
PROVINCETOWN MAGAZINE May 18, 2022
by Rebecca M. Alvin
If you’ve ever seen news footage of a hurricane or tropical storm, you’ve likely seen the ferocity of the wind through the image of trees wildly wavering and bending, but not yielding. They reflect the power of the forces acting upon them while also demonstrating their resistance and resilience in the face of adverse conditions. They are well known metaphors for strength and determination. So when gallerist Berta Walker was trying to come up with something she could do for the Ukrainian people after Russia invaded this past February, she began thinking about trees and how many artists she represents who use trees in their works.
“I just said, ‘Oh my gosh, we’ve got to do something.’ I mean, I really believe in putting the positive [out there], and what better way than through art, which is so spiritual,” says Walker. The resulting show Trees of Courage opens at Berta Walker Gallery this Friday, May 20, with an opening reception to follow on Saturday, May 21, 3 – 5 p.m. It features a large selection of works by gallery artists as well as guest artists, connected by this thread of trees, but with vastly different approaches. Proceeds from the sales will go to helping the Ukrainian people.
Woods and Cardinal , 2007( Oil on linen, 72 by 60″) by Donald Beal
