Artist finds burned-down tree The Senator a useful medium
The destruction of the iconic bald cypress tree in Longwood known as The Senator by a fire started by a drug user in 2012 sparked an idea in woodworker Jeffrey Matter.
He wondered what it would be like to work with the leftover wood — including the charred remains — to create new items. Now, The Senator’s wood is used to make artistic trinkets such as cardholders, small bowls and wine bottle stoppers.
“I like that I go to work on a piece not knowing what is going to come out of it,” the Orlando resident said. “I never go in with a plan.”
Matter brought his creations Saturday to the St. Johns River Festival of the Arts, selling art crafted from remnants of the 3,500-year-old Senator alongside other wood pieces at an event expected to draw thousands to downtown Sanford over the weekend. The festival continues today from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Matter said the art show’s emergence roughly seven years ago helped the city establish itself further as a cultural leader.
“This was one of the things Sanford was missing,” he said. “These things are very important, otherwise it wouldn’t be known as an up-and-coming city. It would stay stagnant.”
Organizers created the event in 2012 to bolster the city’s reputation and support what had been an artistic revival in the city.
At the time, the city had been updating street landscapes and renovated the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center.
“This place needed to be a hub for arts and crafts and cultural events,” said Kim House, one of the event organizers. “Quality of life is what we want to nurture. We needed an arts festival.”
The show, which includes roughly 150 artists that work in dozens of formats, including clay, jewelry and copper, gives enthusiasts a chance to make some money.
Gerri Pizzini of southeast Minnesota has been attending art shows for roughly 30 years selling handmade jewelry.
Her strategy includes making sure to display pieces that are affordable alongside the higherpriced items.
“It’s a lot of work but it’s also a lot of fun,” Pizzini said. “It beats sitting in a cubicle.”