Photograph by Laurel Friedman, Arrangement by Ela Deniz
Ela’s Forest is a real forest of trees planted in locations around the world. It bears the name of a little girl who loved nature and whose short, beautiful life was radiant. The forest continues to grow as her community plants more trees to honor her memory and keep her light bright. As a member of that community, the Polk Museum of Art adds to Ela’s Forest through this exhibition featuring works by artists close to Ela and her family. It is meant to be an expression of love, support, and comfort to the family as well as a poignant reminder of the importance and power of community.
— Claire Orologas, Executive Director Emerita and curator of Ela’s Forest
A map of trees and other dedications to Ela can be found here:
Participating Artists
Mike Barickman, Lakeland, FL | James Bassham, Lakeland, FL | Mary Bassham, Lakeland, FL | Daniel Biferie, Daytona Beach, FL | Eric Breitenbach, Ormond Beach, FL | Steven Chayt, Winter Haven, FL | Laura Davis, Lakeland, FL | Beth Foushee, Lakeland, FL | Josh (Bump) Galletta, Lakeland, FL | Victoria Lowe, Lakeland, FL | Csaba Osvath, Tampa, FL | Erika Schmidt, Pawlet, VT | Juliana Capel Velasco, Anchorage, AK
Ela’s Champions in Support of the Exhibition
Anonymous Donors | Irma Cole & Mark Scolnick | Dr. & Mrs. Craig S. Collins | Wes & Liz Craven | The Graces: Nancye Black, Elizabeth Hults, Alice Koehler, Trinity Laurino, Erica Lupercio, Crystal Norman, Jennifer Sabin, Cherish Welch | Ileana Kniss | The Maguires of Lakeland | Jim Malless & Karen Seggerman | April & Matt Mucci | Rita & Don Selvage | Ira & Tammy Serebrin | Sandra & Sam Sheets | Alyssia & Scott Totten | Michael & Lorrie Walker