Media Advisory: Maryland Artists to Collect Wood of the Wye Oak

Media Advisory:
Maryland Artists to Collect Wood of the Wye Oak

WHO: The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Maryland State Arts Council
WHAT: Salvaged material from the Wye Oak will be available to Maryland artists for creating new artwork.
WHERE: The John S. Ayton State Forest Tree Nursery in Preston (Caroline County)
WHEN: Saturday, May 15, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
WHY: In 2002, the Wye Oak, Maryland’s official state tree, fell during a thunderstorm. The Wye Oak, estimated to be 460 years old, was the largest white oak in the nation and possibly the world. Recognizing its historic significance, DNR and other state agencies salvaged as much of the wood as possible.
Only Maryland artists may participate. Wye Oak wood will be offered on a first-come-first-serve basis, and artists will receive a certificate of authenticity with each piece.
Participating artists will be required to sign an agreement to:

Complete artwork within one year of salvage collection;
Provide DNR with visual documentation of the artwork created from the Wye Oak salvage; and
Be willing to loan the completed artwork to Maryland for use in future state-sponsored exhibitions.

DIRECTIONS: From Easton, take Route 331 east to Route 318. Follow Route 318 towards Federalsburg. Turn left onto Gallagher Road, and drive 3/4 mile. The Ayton Nursery is on the left.

Posted May 11, 2004

WHO:	The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Maryland State Arts Council
WHAT:	Salvaged material from the Wye Oak will be available to Maryland artists for creating new artwork.
WHERE:	The John S. Ayton State Forest Tree Nursery in Preston (Caroline County)
WHEN:	Saturday, May 15, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
WHY:	In 2002, the Wye Oak, Maryland’s official state tree, fell during a thunderstorm. The Wye Oak, estimated to be 460 years old, was the largest white oak in the nation and possibly the world. Recognizing its historic significance, DNR and other state agencies salvaged as much of the wood as possible. Only Maryland artists may participate. Wye Oak wood will be offered on a first-come-first-serve basis, and artists will receive a certificate of authenticity with each piece. Participating artists will be required to sign an agreement to: Complete artwork within one year of salvage collection; Provide DNR with visual documentation of the artwork created from the Wye Oak salvage; and Be willing to loan the completed artwork to Maryland for use in future state-sponsored exhibitions.
DIRECTIONS:	From Easton, take Route 331 east to Route 318. Follow Route 318 towards Federalsburg. Turn left onto Gallagher Road, and drive 3/4 mile. The Ayton Nursery is on the left.