By Katie Northcott, News Director
The City of Tullahoma issued a press release on Tuesday, Feb. 3, announcing “The Art of the Trees,” an art exhibition celebrating Arbor Day 2026.
Local and regional artists can submit tree-related artwork in various mediums for the chance to have their work displayed in the exhibition. Artists may email up to three submissions to lrussell@tullahomatn.gov. The submission deadline is March 16. Selected artists will receive more details about the Arbor Day celebration, which will be held on April 23 at the Tullahoma Fine Arts Center.
More details in the city’s press release below.
The Tullahoma Fine Arts Center, in collaboration with the Tullahoma Tree Board and the Arts Council of Tullahoma, is pleased to announce “The Art of Trees,” a juried art exhibition celebrating Arbor Day 2026. The event will take place on Wednesday, April 23, 2026, at the Tullahoma Fine Arts Center.
Local and regional artists are invited to submit tree-related artwork in various mediums, including visual art, photography, sculpture, wood carving, bonsai, and other creative interpretations.
This unique, first-of-its-kind collaborative event brings together the community’s appreciation for both natural beauty and artistic expression, and brings two separate city boards together for a common cause.
“This type of event is a little out of the standard for an Arbor Day celebration,” says Lyle Russell, Tullahoma City Arborist. “Normally, we would be out simply putting a tree in the ground. This year, we wanted to focus more on the beauty of trees through art and perhaps show the amazing things a tree can become long after it stops growing, or what it can inspire while it is still living.”
Artists may submit up to three high-quality images of their work, along with a one-paragraph artist biography. All submissions will undergo a juried selection process. The deadline for submissions is Monday, March 16, 2026. Interested artists should email their materials to lrussell@tullahomatn.gov.
Selected artists will be notified via email and will receive detailed instructions regarding their selected pieces and display information.
The event will also celebrate Tullahoma’s significant achievements in urban forestry and environmental stewardship. The city will be recognized for earning its 29th consecutive year as a Tree City USA from the Arbor Day Foundation, as well as receiving its 6th Growth Award. Additionally, Tullahoma Utilities Authority will be honored for earning its 15th Tree Line USA award.
“The mission of the Tullahoma Tree Board is to maintain, protect and enhance the urban forest of Tullahoma for both present and future generations through policy advocacy and community education,” stated Ralph Graham, Tree Board Chairman. “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 excited to work together with the Arts Council on this event.”
Tullahoma Arts Council Chairman Greg Gressel also added, “Combining two of my favorite things – Art and Trees is going to be a winning combination. A growing body of scientific evidence shows that engagement with the arts, whether through participation, cultural events, or public art experiences can measurably enhance people’s well-being and quality of life. These effects span psychological, emotional, and physical dimensions of quality of life, demonstrating that the arts are not just culturally enriching but also health-promoting and community-building.”
“The Art of Trees” promises to showcase the diverse talents of the region’s artists while highlighting the vital role trees play in our community and environment, as well as Tullahoma’s long-standing commitment to preserving and enhancing its urban forest. The event will take place on Arbor Day, April 24th, at the Tullahoma Fine Arts Center beginning at 6pm. More information on the event will be released prior to the event.
“There is a myriad of scientific studies that show how live trees benefit a community through health and aesthetics,” said Russell. “This will show one more way that the artistic expression of trees can benefit a community, too. I’m excited to once again see our community enjoy this award (of Tree City USA) but in a new way.”
Tree City USA is a national recognition program by the Arbor Day Foundation that honors communities committed to effective urban forest management. To qualify, cities must meet four core standards: maintaining a tree board or department, having a tree care ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and celebrating Arbor Day. The Growth Award recognizes a Tree City USA community that demonstrate environmental improvement and higher levels of tree care, going beyond basic standards and show measurable progress in their urban forestry programs.
Tree Line USA is a partnership program between the Arbor Day Foundation and electric utilities that recognizes best practices in utility arboriculture. Recipients demonstrate quality tree care, annual workertraining, tree planting and public education initiatives, and an Arbor Day celebration.
For more information or questions about submissions, please contact Lyle Russell at
lrussell@tullahomatn.gov.
