September 2nd – October 2nd

We are excited to host Aaron Becker’s original drawings, watercolors, and prints from his new book Survivor Tree. Aaron will be here signing copies of his book on Friday, September 10th from 5-8 pm. Stop by and see this beautiful work and meet the artist!

About the Book:“This hopeful story of a resilient tree that grew (and still grows) at the base of the twin towers is a simple introduction for young readers to gain an understanding of September 11th and the impact it had on America.

One September day, the perfect blue sky exploded. Dust billowed. Buildings crumbled. And underneath it all, a tree sprouted green leaves in its distress. Pulled from the wreckage, the tree saw many seasons pass as it slowly recovered far away from home. Until one day, forever scarred and forever stronger, it was replanted at the 9/11 Memorial.

This story of the real Survivor Tree uses nature’s cycle of colors to reflect on the hope and healing that come after a tragedy—and assures readers of their own remarkable resilience.”

Listen to Aaron Becker’s interview on NEPR 

In the spring of 2009, I began to make mosaics choosing to work in the indirect method, a technique that I have employed ever since. For the indirect method, I place my materials face-side-down on sticky paper, not knowing the final results of my design until I turn the piece over into a bed of cement. It is through a certain controlled randomness, a willingness to cede one’s expectations to gravitational forces and the power of sticky tape that I apply the indirect technique to expand the boundaries of this art form.

This is a process of chance, choice, and discovery.

97% of the human body consists of stardust. This must be why I feel such a deep connection to the beyond.  Everything in history has happened on this spinning ball in our galaxy. When time seems to fly and everything seems chaotic I look up, even just for a second, and feel a sense of wonder. I sought to bring the infinite space of the universe into each piece. Creating a dreamy, starry, and ever-expanding feel through my art. Hours began to fly by as I channeled myself into these pieces. This series is a direct reflection of that experience.