Sara Taliaferro, Catalpa
It is a particular honor to have my work included in this collaborative project alongside Kansas artists for whom I have a great deal of respect and admiration. We have a richly talented and inclusive art community here in the Great Plains, so it is with particular joy that I have worked on this project celebrating Kansas trees, knowing that I did so with other regional artists. Sara Taliaferro
Lisa Grossman, Persimmon
I chose the persimmon because I'm a big fan of native plants, especially native plants that produce gorgeous and delicious fruits, especially ones that I can forage in our neighborhood! Over recent years I've discovered a variety of native persimmon trees around campus and Old West Lawrence and have harvested the fruits each September and October and freeze the pulp to make baked goods in the winter or persimmon butter. We now have a six year old Granddaughter of the giant persimmon tree on campus growing well in our front yard and anxiously await her first fruiting. Lisa Grossman
Judy Graversen Algaier, Black Walnut
I selected to represent the Black Walnut Tree in this book because of fond personal memories connected to them, stretching way back into early childhood. I remember picking up the walnuts on my grandfather’s farm, helping him shuck them, and marveling at the intricate patterns embossed on their shells. Then when opened- not only was there a delicious treat within, but yet another series of lovely niches, nooks, and crannies which stirred my imagination. Black Walnut trees offer so many uses; from food and gorgeous furniture, to medicinal purposes -and coloring agents as well. Judy Graversen Algaier
Paul Hotvedt, Dogwood
I chose the rough-leaved dogwood because it is a common native plant that is an unsung part of the tough landscape fabric by Kansas roadsides--and roadsides are where most people experience the landscape. It is very colorful and provides dense shelter for birds. Paul Hotvedt
Shelley Barnhill, Locust
The locust tree is in my garden where I have a love/hate relationship with it. The thorns have pricked me when I work in the garden. Can you find the drop of blood on one of the thorns? The tree is a female tree and drops many, many beans every fall that have to be raked up. But the tree shades the garden and the house from the sun and I like to watch the tree trunk change gray to green with the weather. Shelley Barnhill
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