UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The HUB-Robeson Galleries present "When the Bough Breaks" organized by Susanne Slavick. "When the Bough Breaks" will be installed in Art Alley in the HUB-Robeson Center on the University Park campus of Penn State, through May 9.

Despite our history of decimating vast tracts of forests, often in the name of civilization, trees remain indifferent to our existence. They continue offering shade, shelter, sustenance and survival. They long precede the human race and will ultimately succeed us, despite our alternating negligence and reverence.

Facing ongoing human conflict and impending climate catastrophe, the reality or representation of trees can offer solace and space — for the necessity of talking and listening. The works of these artists and accompanying poets embrace the tree — materially and conceptually — through figure and metaphor, analysis and allegory, and as record and reflection. The exhibit includes works by Patricia Bellan-Gillen, Denise Burge, Zoë Charlton, Ellen Harvey, Alex Lukas, Clayton Merrell, Sarah Slavick, and Susanne Slavick.

This exhibition was supported in part by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency funded by the commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

Visitors are required to wear a mask at all times, and practice proper social distancing. Art Alley is a lounge space and is open 24/7 within the HUB-Robeson Center.

For more information on this and other exhibitions, contact HUB-Robeson Galleries at 814-865-2563, or visit the website. Keep up to date with HUB-Robeson Galleries by signing up for the listserve or follow the galleries on Instagram @hubrobesongalleries.