Note Type
Wall LabelNote
Gabrielle Eisma, Untitled, 2023
In celebration of The Bob Speelman Arboretum Wood panel, house paint, and acrylic paint
In celebration of Calvin's 390-acre campus being officially recognized as an arboretum in 2022, this painting was commissioned specifically for the current exhibition from Calvin alumna Gabrielle Eisma (BFA, 2021).
Named for Bob Speelman —the University's arborist and director of grounds who, in his 34-year career, cared well for a campus of some 4,000 trees-Calvin's arboretum is the second to be accredited in West Michigan, through the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program (Oakhill Cemetery on Hall Street became the first in 2021). Earning the distinction required creating an arboretum plan, documenting varieties of trees and woody plants, labelling species, and providing regular public events or educational programs focusing on trees. More generally, becoming an arboretum requires a commitment to caring for trees far beyond typical college landscaping. While many other schools have arboretums adjacent to or as a part of university property, it is rare for an entire campus to earn the designation.
Since the 1950s, trees at Knollerest have been a source of pride-and often enough, of conflict, as building projects and future expansion competed with conservation values.
Starting in 2013, Calvin was regularly recognized as a Tree Campus USA.
Toward the end of his career, Fyfe himself judged that,
"Every effort has been made to utilize and enhance existing trees and terrain so that the landscape and the buildings complemented each other. Plantings were desired for each structure as it was completed so that it is impassable in many instances to discern where original growth leaves off and added plantings have taken hold. From the start the College accepted landscaping as an integral part of development."
Conceptions of nature within the Calvin community continue to evolve, with a growing appreciation for biodiversity, permeable landscapes, and water management.
If organic architecture first took shape on the Knollerest campus with a keen awareness of topography, trees perhaps will show us a way into the future, where lofty ideals of
'Nature' join with healthier watersheds, fewer toxins, cleaner energy, and a richer sense of all things as being organically intertwined.