Treewhispers 25th Anniversary
By Pamela Paulsrud
Everyone has a tree story. Do you remember running to a tree for safe base in a childhood game of tag? Plucking ruby-red apples on a crisp fall day? A treehouse that felt larger than life, where secrets were whispered, and dreams took shape? Many of us recall climbing high into the branches, feeling the rough bark beneath our hands, the gentle sway. Trees stand as silent witnesses to our lives, marking the seasons of change and growth.
This deep connection is at the heart of Treewhispers. When Marilyn Sward and I imagined this project in 2000, we never anticipated how far its roots would spread. It began as a simple idea: to gather stories and images about trees through the art of handmade paper.
Papermaking itself is an act of transformation. There’s something magical about the process: hands immersed in pulp, the rhythm of movement, the sound of water, the fibers intertwining to form something lasting. Each handmade piece carries not just words and images, but the energy and essence of its maker.
What started as an exploration of storytelling and papermaking became a global collaboration uniting people across cultures through handmade paper rounds layered with drawings, poetry, and heartfelt reflections of trees. Treewhispers is more than an art installation; it’s an evolving dialogue between people and nature, a collective expression of reverence for trees and the stories they hold for us.
Over the years, thousands of artists, writers, schoolchildren, and environmentalists have contributed to this growing forest of personal narratives. I’ve seen the wonder in people’s eyes as they recall childhood trees, places of solace, or trees lost to time. Some stories are filled with joy—tire swings, carved initials, shady summer picnics, or a tree named Bob. Others speak of loss and longing, of storms that took down beloved trees or trees that stood as silent companions through grief. And then there are those who share a lifelong bond, like the woman who spoke to a towering oak every morning as if it were an old friend or a man who planted a sapling in honor of his late father.
Treewhispers has traveled farther than I ever imagined, across the U.S. in Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, New York, Texas, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Georgia. In Australia, Canada, and China, it became a bridge between communities, inspiring artists, educators, and environmentalists. When the project was invited to the Sharjah Biennial in the UAE, I was reminded how universal the language of trees is and how, even in the desert, people carry memories of trees from places they have lived, loved, and left behind.
One of the most profound collaborations came through Greenpeace, when Treewhispers became part of a larger conversation about conservation and the urgent need to protect our forests. Seeing Treewhispers woven into environmental activism reinforced what I’ve always believed: that art has the power to move people, to spark awareness, to shift perspectives. Storytelling is not just about remembering; it’s about shaping the future.
At every exhibition, the handmade paper rounds, bound with bookbinding thread (perhaps the world’s largest book?), hang in flowing columns reminiscent of tree trunks. They invite visitors to pause, to listen, to reflect. I’ve seen people moved to tears reading a stranger’s words and recognizing something of themselves within them. These moments reaffirm the deep connection we all share, not only with trees, but with each other.
I am grateful for the opportunity to install Treewhispers at Artist Book House as part of this milestone. In a place where the love of books, stories, and handmade paper is deeply honored, this feels like a full-circle moment, a reflection of the community that has supported and nurtured this project over the years. Audrey, Melissa, Ken, Killian, the board members, the neighborhood, and the calligraphic and papermaking communities have not only offered their support but have also celebrated this moment.
This installation is also a tribute to Marilyn Sward (1941–2008), my mentor, teacher, and dear friend, who instilled in me and countless others a profound love of paper. Marilyn’s passion for papermaking, her generous spirit, and her belief in the power of collaboration continue to inspire this journey.
In celebration of Treewhispers’ 25th anniversary, I am compiling a book to capture the essence of this journey, including its origins and the countless voices that have shaped it through stories and artwork. This book will be a testament to the power of art, storytelling, and our shared relationship with trees. Through images, personal accounts, and the stories that have moved me most—some tender, some humorous, all deeply human—I hope to offer a reflection of the many lives intertwined with Treewhispers.
Like the installations, this book will be an invitation to pause and remember.
To look at the trees in our lives and recognize them as the quiet companions they have always been. I invite you to share in this journey, to reflect on your own connection with trees, and perhaps even to contribute your own story.
Because we all have a tree story. What’s yours?