Artwork available for purchase as part of the Third Street Oak Trees Art Show are displayed in the window at Mason Fine Arts on North Main Street in Jamestown. Submitted photo

Those looking to buy local this holiday season have a unique opportunity to support local artists and the urban forestry of Jamestown.

The Third Street Oak Trees Art Show is sponsored by the Chautauqua Art Gallery and Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. Now through Jan. 1, individuals can view and purchase artwork inspired by the trees that were removed in December 2020.

“As a resident of Jamestown’s West Third Street, I’m reminded daily of the drastic change in our scenery,” said Leslie Calimeri, local artist and Chautauqua Art Gallery owner. “I hope this art show is only the beginning of coming together as a community to celebrate our trees and the ongoing efforts to continue making Jamestown a beautiful place to live.”

In addition to Calimeri’s oil paintings and ink drawings, the show includes original paintings, drawings, photography, textiles, books, mixed media and jewelry. Smaller prints and notecards created from some of the original art are also available.

Local artist, Deb Eck, has not only been inspired by the beauty of the trees, but by its products, incorporating their leaves, acorns and parts of the actual tree trunk in her work. For this show, Eck has created several hand bound books.

“The trees in my Westside neighborhood are an important component in my work,” Eck said. “I’ve used the leaves in a process called eco-printing or botanical contact printing. I also harvest natural material which I use to create pulps to make sheets of paper. The books I am creating from the wood harvested from the trees feature many of these processes.”

According to Calimeri, the show is already off to a successful start with many pieces already purchased.

“We’ve received really good feedback from the community as to the virtual format we’re using to showcase the art, as well as, the variety of items available,” Calimeri said.

Proceeds from the sale will benefit Jamestown’s Urban Forestry Fund, administered by the Community Foundation, for the planning and caring of trees throughout the city.

“Jamestown’s urban forest is an extremely important part of our community’s landscape,” said Tory Irgang, Community Foundation executive director. “For many years we have had a wonderful partnership with the City of Jamestown’s Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department to ensure that we maintain our Tree City USA designation and maintain our beautiful city.”

Purchased pieces may be picked up at Chautauqua Art Gallery in Lakewood or shipped to another address. Other pickup locations in the Jamestown area can be arranged. Individuals interested in viewing pieces in person, may contact Calimeri at Chautauqua Art Gallery, 716-753-6296 or leslie@chautauquaartgallery.com.

The art exhibit may be viewed in its entirety online by visiting jamestowntrees.org.