Between Two Oaks: Trees in Art with Mary Stewart
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Between Two Oaks: Trees in Art with Mary Stewart
June 2 2026, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Between Two Oaks
VIRTUAL SUMMER SPEAKING SERIES
Calling all tree nerds and nature enthusiasts! Join Urban Forest Educator and Arborist, Heather Brent, along with an exciting lineup of local experts, for TreesCharlotte’s new virtual summer speaker series, Between Two Oaks. Each session dives into a unique tree-inspired topic, blending science, art, history, and ecology while exploring fresh perspectives on Charlotte’s urban forest and beyond.
This summer’s lineup includes:
- Tuesday, June 2, 2026 – Trees in Art with Mary Stewart
- Thursday, July 9, 2026 – Do Trees Have Agency? with Dr. Jason Newton
- Tuesday, August 4, 2026 – Keystone Trees and Soft Landings with Linda Nelson
Every event kicks off with an introduction from Heather Brent, followed by a presentation from the featured guest speaker, and a live audience Q&A. Registered participants will receive a virtual access link within 24 hours of each event. Whether you’re a lifelong arbor enthusiast or just tree-curious, this series promises thoughtful conversations, surprising insights, and a deeper appreciation for the roots of our urban landscape.
Tonight’s Special Guest: Mary Stewart
Discussion Topic: Discover the enduring influence of trees in art during this virtual discussion led by retired art professor Mary Stewart. Through examples ranging from Mondrian’s art evolution and John Grade’s immersive large-scale sculptures to innovative architectural uses of natural materials and forces, participants will explore how artists across time have drawn inspiration from the beauty, symbolism, and structure of trees.
Bio: Professor Emerita Mary Stewart is an artist, author, and educator. Her artwork has been shown in over 95 exhibitions nationally and internationally and in the 1980’s she received two Pennsylvania Council on the Arts grants for collaborative choreography. She has completed many artist’s residencies at sites such as Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, Jentel Foundation, Arte Studio Ginestrelle (Italy) and Centrum Franz Masereel (Belgium). She is a co-founder of Integrative Teaching International (https://www.integrativeteaching.org/) and the founding editor of its main publication, Future Forward. Her major textbooks are Launching the Imagination: A Comprehensive Guide to Basic Design, Creative Inquiry: From Ideation to Implementation and Being, Thinking, Doing: Student Success in College and Beyond.
Professor Stewart received a Southeastern College Art Association Excellence in Teaching Award in 2010, the FATE (Foundations in Art: Theory and Education) Master Educator award in 2009 and the National Council of Arts Administrators Award of Distinction in 2008.