Tree-mendous! An Ode to Sacramento’s Canopy
I’ve always believed that peace begins with noticing, like the way light filters through leaves, the hush beneath a branch, or the slow breath of stillness that finds you in the middle of a busy day. That’s why I’m deeply honored to be part of SMUD’s new exhibition, Tree-mendous!, which opened November 19 and runs through January 13, 2026, in the lobby gallery of their Customer Service Center on S Street.
Endurance, 20×20”
Sacramento is known as the City of Trees, and it’s more than a nickname, it’s an identity. This exhibition invites us to reflect on how trees have shaped not only our skyline but also our daily lives: the shade that softens summer heat, the roots that tangle into our memories, and the quiet companionship they offer as we move through our days. The participating artists bring this to life through a rich array of media: paintings, watercolors, collages, mixed media, encaustic works, and photography.
Many of the artists in the show are familiar faces, thoughtful Sacramento creators, several of whom I’m lucky to call friends. I have several of my largest artworks on display, pieces where a tree finally feels like it has enough room to be a tree. Each of us carries a different way of seeing them, their silhouettes, their stories, their breath.
Faithful, 10×22”
Sacramento’s love affair with trees began long ago. Early settlers planted them intentionally for shade. Community advocates fought to preserve and expand green spaces. City planners wove nature into the grid. And SMUD continues to carry that legacy forward. Through a long-standing partnership with the Sacramento Tree Foundation, more than 630,000 trees have been planted across the region. SMUD even offers up to ten free shade trees per customer. That’s not just beautification, that’s climate action, cooler neighborhoods, and healthier air.
There’s something deeply poetic about that: art reflecting not just beauty, but commitment. The exhibition feels alive, rooted in both history and hope, a reminder that trees connect us across time, place, and community.
The gallery is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., making it easy to stop by before work, during lunch, or on your way home for a moment of quiet, leafy contemplation. This isn’t just an art show; it’s a celebration of the landscape we share and the future we’re growing together. The trees shading our streets today are the same ones we plant for tomorrow.
The Mustard Tree, 48×36”
Walking through this exhibition feels a bit like stepping beneath a canopy you helped nurture. It’s an invitation to slow down, look up, and feel a little more rooted in this city we call home.
If you go, I’d love to hear which piece resonates with you most.
