The Baker Hunt Art and Cultural Center, a nonprofit in Covington, announced Thursday it would be removing a 140-year-old American Beech Tree from its campus due to a fungal infection. A landmark of the center, the organization will host a community memorial for the tree on May 9.
Specifically, the tree suffers from an infection of Brittle Cinder Fungus, which is terminal once contracted. It leads to the breakdown of the organic compounds of the tree, particularly around its base.
“Recent tests have shown that the fungus has grown, and the tree is no longer viable,” according to Baker Hunt. “Under the advice of six different tree experts from several reputable local companies, Baker Hunt needs to remove the tree for the safety of our campus and students, due to the progression and internal destruction the fungus is causing.”
To honor the tree and its legacy, members of the public are invited to create art at the Baker Hunt Center on Greenup Street between 9 a.m. and noon on Saturday, May 9.
“Consider creating work inspired by the tree through plein-air painting, colored pencils, sketching, photography, clay or collage,” Baker Hunt’s announcement reads. “Baker Hunt will provide some materials, including paint, colored pencils and paper, as well as some snacks.”
Artists can bring completed works to the center on Friday, June 26. One work will be chosen to become Baker Hunter property in exchange for $200. The work will be displayed in a frame made from the tree and commemorated with a memorial plaque.
An exact day for when the tree will be removed was not given in the announcement.
To learn more about Baker Hunt, visit www.bakerhunt.org or call (859) 431-0020.