By Katie Northcott, News Director
On Friday, April 24, the Tullahoma Fine Arts Center will premiere “The Art of Trees,” a juried art exhibition that will feature more than 90 pieces from 36 local and regional artists.
Find more details in the press release, which is copied below.
The Tullahoma Fine Arts Center will host “The Art of Trees,” a juried art
exhibition featuring more than 90 pieces from 36 local and regional artists, during Arbor Day weekend 2026.
The exhibition, presented in collaboration with the Tullahoma Tree Board and the Arts Council of Tullahoma, will premiere on National Arbor Day, Friday, April 24, 2026.
The exhibition celebrates both artistic expression and Tullahoma’s longstanding commitment to urban forestry. The City of Tullahoma has earned Tree City USA designation for the 29th consecutive year from the Arbor Day Foundation, along with its 6th Growth Award—recognizing communities that demonstrate measurable progress beyond basic tree care standards. Additionally, Tullahoma Utilities Authority will be honored for earning Tree Line USA recognition for the 15th year, exemplifying best practices in utility arboriculture and environmental stewardship.
“The Art of Trees” features diverse interpretations of tree-themed artwork, including visual art, photography, fabric, wood carving, and other creative mediums. The overwhelming response from the artistic community reflects the deep connection between creativity and our natural environment.
EXHIBITION HOURS:
- Friday, April 24 (National Arbor Day): 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Opening Reception)
- Saturday, April 25: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Sunday, April 26: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
The exhibition is free and open to the public during all viewing hours.
Tree City USA is awarded to communities that meet four core standards of sound urban forestry management: maintaining a tree board or department, having a tree care ordinance, dedicating at least $2 per capita annually to urban forestry, and celebrating Arbor Day. Tullahoma’s 29 consecutive years of recognition demonstrates the city’s unwavering dedication to maintaining and enhancing its urban forest canopy.
The Growth Award recognizes Tree City USA communities that show higher levels of tree care and environmental improvement, going above and beyond the basic standards. Tullahoma has now earned this distinction for six years, reflecting innovative programs and measurable advancements in urban forest management.
Tree Line USA, a partnership between the Arbor Day Foundation and electric utilities, honors utility companies that demonstrate excellence in tree care, worker training, community tree planting, public education, and Arbor Day celebrations. Tullahoma Utilities Authority’s 15 years of recognition showcases its commitment to balancing reliable electric service with responsible environmental stewardship.
“Trees provide immeasurable benefits to our community—from clean air and stormwater management to energy savings and enhanced property values,” said Lyle Russell, City Arborist. “These national recognitions reflect the collaborative efforts of our Tree Board, city staff, utility workers, and engaged citizens who understand that healthy trees mean a healthy community.”
Trees in communities contribute to cleaner air and water, energy conservation, property value enhancement, and improved quality of life. Studies show that well-maintained urban forests can reduce energy costs by providing shade in summer and windbreaks in winter, while also filtering pollutants and managing stormwater runoff.
“This is an opportunity to encourage citizens of Tullahoma to increase the canopy of trees to enhance the beauty of the City,” says Ralph Graham, chairman of the Tullahoma Tree Board. “This Arbor Day, we celebrate trees not only as infrastructure and shade, but as living works of art—shaped by time, rooted in place, and essential to the life of our community.”
“We are thrilled with the response from the artist community for this event, and the Tullahoma Fine Arts Center is proud to host The Art of Trees with the City of Tullahoma and the Tullahoma Tree Board,” says Greg Gressel, chairman of the Tullahoma Arts Council. “There were so many beautiful pieces of art submitted, we selected them all for display. This is going to be a great weekend for the arts and for trees in Tullahoma.”
“The Art of Trees” provides a unique opportunity to celebrate Tullahoma’s environmental achievements while showcasing the remarkable talents of regional artists who draw inspiration from nature.
ABOUT TREE CITY USA Tree City USA is a nationwide movement that provides the framework necessary for communities to manage and expand their public trees. Founded by the Arbor Day Foundation in 1976, the program has helped thousands of communities across America become Tree City USA certified.
ABOUT TREE LINE USA Tree Line USA promotes proper tree management and care along utility rights-of-way, recognizing utilities that meet rigorous standards for quality tree care, annual training, tree planting and education programs, and Arbor Day observances.
