Skinny Trees

​TITLE: Skinny Trees
​ARTIST: Mark Bleshenski 
DATE: 2023
TYPE: Sculpture
MEDIA: Metal and Glass
 
ABOUT: First of many future sculptures to be installed and unveiled in the newly constructed Sculpture Garden out front of the Jefferson Project. The Jefferson Project, according to their website, "... Is a non-profit, community placemaking initiative whose mission is to provide a connection between art, technology, innovation, and community building, all while preserving and celebrating the local historical significance of architecture and manufacturing in the region." In a collaboration between The Jefferson Project, the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum, NEA Big Read: Great Lakes Bay Region, and Bay City artist Mark Bleshenski, Skinny Trees was created and installed. Skinny Trees was inspired by the 2021-2022 NEA Big Read selected book "The House on Mango Street". 

According to Mark Bleshenski: "As I was reading ‘The House on Mango Street’, I was particularly struck by the simple blunt image described in the chapter about ‘The Four Skinny Trees’. The passage may be one of the shortest in the book. Esperanza describes these four ugly trees that somehow survive in a difficult environment. It is for her a symbol of hope and courage. I understand that symbolism, but in my interpretation, I also use the trees as a symbol of community, strength, and growth as well, by manipulation of the elements."

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​LOCATION: ​409 1st Street, Bay City, MI, 48706