Under a Simple Tree: The Canopy Policy Project
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weekly on Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Explore the vital role of trees in Miami's communities with Under a Simple Tree: The Canopy Policy Project, an art exhibition presented by Hampton Art Lovers at Green Space Miami through August 11. Local artist Brandon Clarke takes center stage with his artwork, a mixed-media work highlighting the importance of neighborhood trees in Miami-Dade County. Clarke's pieces weave together the stories of these trees and the communities they serve, encouraging viewers to contemplate the role trees play in shaping our identities and neighborhoods.
The exhibition goes beyond aesthetics, aligning with Green Space Miami's mission to promote environmental awareness. Trees are crucial for mitigating the urban heat island effect, a phenomenon where cities experience higher temperatures due to less shade and more heat-absorbing surfaces.
Under a Simple Tree sheds light on the social implications of uneven tree distribution in Miami. Low-income neighborhoods often have less tree cover, leading to sweltering temperatures and public health concerns. The exhibition aims to spark conversations about these disparities.
The project actively engages residents by identifying trees with special meaning to specific neighborhoods. In collaboration with FIU, the stories associated with these trees are captured through oral histories. These narratives become part of the exhibition, alongside a documentary film currently in development.
Under a Simple Tree encourages reflection on the intersection of climate change, socio-economics and the role of trees in Miami's diverse communities. The exhibition raises critical questions about how limited resources and a warming planet impact access to shade and a healthy environment.