The natural world is full of patterns, rhythms, and dynamic motifs. Walter Anderson saw these elements throughout nature and incorporated them into his artwork. Like Anderson, artists Glenn Miller and Amina Hall were inspired by the distinctive patterns in the bark of trees that surround their homes in Ocean Springs.  

Trees themselves are full of beautiful features, but these artists find that the patterning of bark is often the most overlooked. This element of the tree became the focus of the exhibition as Miller and Hall sought to bring attention to the delicate strength and evocative nature of bark. This installation was developed in two parts, incorporating work printed through a workshop at the Walter Anderson Museum of Art in collaboration with the individual processes of the artists.

 
First, Miller and Hall singled out three tree species that are native to the Gulf Coast. The artists then experimented with different techniques and materials before they were satisfied with a process of bark rubbing and were able to guide participants at WAMA’s Flower Fest 2025 in the process. Over fifty children and their families learned the process of bark rubbing and printed them on rectangles of muslin using their own choice of colors. The works produced during the workshop have been compiled by the artists into the folding screens displayed at the entry to the exhibition.

Next, they developed a technique of tree rubbing with paint on 10-foot scrolls of fabric. The artists selected trees from the surrounding area, including pines from Twelve Oaks Nature Preserve, live oaks at the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, and others from properties of tree-loving friends and members of the community. Their goal was to create an immersive experience with this installation, bringing the natural world into the Ocean Springs Community Center and highlighting the importance of trees in our Southern landscape.