Transforming Trees

We are familiar with found art. Now, in Galveston, Texas, they're creating something of a re-formed art. Hurricane Ike wreaked havoc on this island off the southern coast of Texas last September, damaging the city's landscape, including the decimation of 40,000 trees.

Now, NPR reports that the city's Citizen Tree Committee is putting those stumps to good use. The dead trees, which are still rooted, are being transformed into sculpture. The first is a dalmatian being carved from dead wood that sits outside of the city's fire station.

Not all of the dead tress will be turned into art. Many are being replanted. Only six trees on public property are due to be transformed and some local residents are also interested in getting their trees carved, too, according to the Houston Chronicle. More than having something nice to look at, though, the tree art performs a psychological function for the community, the committee says, by helping residents, well, turn over a new leaf.

Photo courtesy of joiseyshowaa via Flickr