Historic Bur Oak Tree Artist, City of Plano, TX

I was one of many artists chosen by the City of Plano to receive a piece of their Historic Bur Oak tree which grew in Bob Woodruff Park before it fell in a storm in 2023. The tree is about 400 yrs old which makes it one of the oldest trees in North Texas! Learn more about this wonder of nature from the Texas Historic Tree Coalition.

A sturdy moss covered branch was my pick. I had it sliced by artisan Alejandro Hinojos of RescaTierra who imparted a great deal of information to me. I learned more about trees from the team at Harden Sawmill in Sanger, TX.

I have elevated the branch slices, and set a fan on them to help with the drying process, since kiln drying was not an immediate option. I treated them with rosemary and olive oil on one side and along cracks to prevent splitting and mold. Excess bark and moss was chiseled off and saved for later use. This will be an exciting journey and I feel very honored to repurpose a piece of natural history.

Have a Pleasant Day!
-Rae