With 111 entries in the ‘official’ tree jumper exhibition, Warwick Art Gallery director Karina Devine becomes the caretaker of a unique space when she curates her ‘living gallery’ during Warwick’s Jumpers and Jazz in July Festival.
It is always a juggling act between the number of trees available and the number of individuals and organisations who want to create a work of art for festival-goers to admire.
“Our talented team of tree artisans is a collective of artists, both professional and amateur, schools, businesses and community groups who embrace our challenge to transform a tree into a work of art,” Ms Devine said.
“Interestingly, some artists have developed a strong bond with their tree, having dressed it every year since the very first Jumpers and Jazz in July in 2004.
“Back then, the trees were small saplings with low twiggy branches, but today those same trees have hefty trunks, up to two metres in diameter, and very few branches.”
Ms Devine said it was important to be true to the fundamental tree jumper objective, which is to create a warming winter coat for Warwick’s bare street trees.
“I’ve always believed that perfection in the way of a tree jumper is one that wraps around the trunk and has little sleeves made for the branches,” she said.
“While the primary purpose of the tree jumper is to warm up the tree, it is not necessarily just in the physical sense. Some artworks use humour and word play to engage with the viewer while others warm your heart with their charm and novelty.
“I expect this year’s entries to really sizzle, with around half of the participants entering the Spice themed category.”
Traditional yarn crafts are encouraged, with a section in the competition dedicated to knitting and crochet, yet the most admired tree jumpers are often made with unexpected materials, such as plastic, ropes and wire.
One of the most-talked about and extraordinary trees of 2011 was Jenelle Matthews’ humorous “Iron Bark” tree, made of old electric irons that were perfectly positioned around the tree trunk.
Each year one tree jumper travels to Warwick from Lincolnshire in England, with entries also received from New Zealand, North Queensland and New South Wales.
A special addition to the exhibition is dedicated to local schools, with about 10 local schools decorating trees in their school grounds.
“The school tree theme is ‘What a Wonderful World’ and I think the wonder of our world through the eyes of children should provide a beautiful display,” Ms Devine said.
“Rug up for the cold, don’t forget your camera and stroll through our awesome, one of a kind, living gallery.”
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