New art exhibit at Descanso Gardens Sept. 11

"ELEMENTAL | ArborEssence," a group show exploring the possibilities of wood through contemporary art, opens Sept. 11, 2012, at the Sturt Haaga Gallery at Descanso Gardens. Hosting artwork that explores the materiality of wood, "ELEMENTAL | ArborEssence" connects the trees of the Descanso Gardens landscape with the raw material of the art. Curatorial Coordinator John David O'Brien stated, "We endeavored to concentrate, as much as was reasonable, on the qualities of tree-ness and on the branch-like." The show features artists who transform, reference and celebrate the beauty of wood. From handcrafted furniture to installation and sculpture, the work is a collection of all things wood. Artists included in "ELEMENTAL | ArborEssence" are Charles Arnoldi (Rosamund Felsen Gallery), Deborah Butterfield (L.A. Louver Gallery), John Frame, Suvan Geer, Ke-Sook Lee (George Billis Gallery), Minoru Ohira, Ross Rudel (Angles Gallery) and William Stranger. The collection of artwork holds true to the purpose of the Sturt Haaga Gallery and the overarching interests of Descanso Gardens. Descanso is an apt location to explore how artists work with wood today. The unique experience of walking under the grand oak canopies enhances the understanding of the material. "ELEMENTAL | ArborEssence" opens to the public on Tuesday, Sept. 11, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The exhibit runs through Nov. 25, 2012. The Sturt Haaga Gallery is located at Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, 91011. About Descanso Gardens: Established as a public garden in 1953, Descanso Gardens is located at 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, near the interchange of the 2 and 210 freeways. The Gardens are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, members welcome at 8 a.m. Closed Christmas Day. Admission is free for members and children 4 and younger. $8 for adults; $6 for seniors and students; $3 for children 5 to 12. Parking is free. Fees for classes and programs include Gardens admission. For information, call (818) 949-4200 or visit www.descansogardens.org. Descanso Gardens is accredited by the American Association of Museums.