Hurricane Ike visited Galveston with devastating results, The storm surge killed over 12,000 trees leaving much of the landscape bare. In a creative way Galveston Island tree conservancy member Donna Leibbert recruited Chain Saw Sculptors to create tree sculptures from dead trees. What was a terrible eye sore and a reminder of the horrors of Hurricane Ike now is a charming visual sight. If you are visiting Galveston you must tour the city to see these beautiful works of art
What does the Tin Man, a Dalmatian and a Japanese Geisha all have in common? They are more than the 20 tree sculptures scattered throughout the island, Some sculptures are tucked into gardens and nestled inside yards while others are proudly displayed near the street. All of the sculptures are clearly visible from the street - www.Galveston.com
PowerPoint byJack Cross
Over The Rainbow by Eva Cassidy
Areal view of 1116 Church Street area showing the trees prior to Hurricane Ike’s storm surge. Most all of the trees were lost Photo thanks to Ashley Waters – Huntsville Tx
This 100 year old White Oak died in Hurricane Ike’s storm surge in 2008 and now has become the latest tree sculpture to adorn Galveston Island.
The sculpture is in honor of Fannie Kempner Adoue, for whom the park is named.
The one thing she used to love to do is read to the children.
Earl Jones carved the tree, using a chain saw and other handheld tools to show Adoue reading to her grandchildren.
The white oak killed by Hurricane Ike’s Sept. 13, 2008, storm surge was planted in Adoue Park just after the 1900 Storm, making it more than a century old, Jones said.
My hats off to the people of Galveston’s Historic District who worked and restored this neighborhood To it’s pre Ike Glory
98 % of the trees in this east end district was destroyed.
Galveston Island Tree Conservancy in conjunction with the Galveston Island Tree Committee efforts to Re-Green Galveston island after hurricane Ike have resulted in planting and giving away 5,000 trees in 2009-2010. Over 100 tons of selected oak wood was selected by the Mystic Seaport Shipyard in Connecticut to be used in the restoration of America’s only whaling ship, The Charles W. Morgan that was made out of the same Live Oak as those at Galveston. A local area lumber yard took several tons to mill and dry for building projects. 200 tons went to Malaga Spain to be used in completion of a full scale replica of the Brig “Galveztown”; Wood was made available to artist for carving, Many Galveston residents loaded up with oak and pecan wood for their smokers. 100 percent of Ike wood was kept out of the landfill. New Sculptures continue to be added, If you want to make a donation for future carvings or Re-greening of Galveston, donations can be mailed to GITC PO Box 2123 Galveston TX 77553 or see: http://www.galvestonislandtreeconservancy.org/
Tree Sculptures byJames Phillips Clear Lake TX
Dayle LewisRichmond Indiana
Earl JonesHitchcock TX
Initials on slides identify artistJP, DL & EJ
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Jack Cross