“HOPE’S COMMUNITY COLLAGE”: A detail from the “Outside Gallery” at Veblen House in Herrontown Woods shows a sampling of hand-crafted tiles contributed by community members, combining forest photography, natural materials, and original artwork. (Photo courtesy of Hope VanCleaf /CreativeFingerprint)

Inspired by the beauty of Herrontown Woods and the need to restore the historic Veblen House at 452 Herrontown Road, local artist Hope VanCleaf is on a mission to unite the community through a collaborative art project. The project aims to create a collage that celebrates the wonders of nature and serves as a token of appreciation for the woods and the Veblen House renovation.

The chosen art form — a collage — serves as a metaphor for the diverse perspectives and experiences that come together to form a cohesive whole. Each participant’s contribution, big or small, will become a piece of the larger artwork, representing the shared appreciation for the woods. Three years in the making (and still growing), there are now 87 canvas tile contributions — varied yet so connected — which will go on display for the first time this month.

VanCleaf, Herrontown Woods artist-in-residence and Friends of Herrontown Woods board member, has made copies of the tiles, laminated them, and connected them into the current waterproof collage, which will be unveiled on Saturday, July 25 (rain date, Sunday, July 26), from 4–8 p.m., exhibited on the Veblen House outside wall in the new plein-air “Outside Gallery.”

For more information, visit herrontownwoods.cog.