“Of the Earth” Exhibition at Morton Arboretum to Close March 1

The stunning Of the Earth exhibition by Polish-American artist Olga Ziemska is on display for its final weeks at The Morton Arboretum. This outdoor installation, which debuted in May 2023, features five large-scale sculptures crafted from reclaimed tree branches and other natural materials. It will close March 1, 2025—this is the last chance for the public to experience this breathtaking display of art and nature at the Arboretum.

Of the Earth is the first major sculpture installation by a woman artist at the Arboretum and the largest exhibition by the Cleveland-based sculptor anywhere in the world. These monumental pieces explore the deep connection between humans and nature, offering a profound visual experience. The exhibition is free with daytime admission to the Arboretum, which can be purchased online in advance.

The five sculptures on display—Ona, Oculus, Strata, Hear: With an ear to the ground, and Stillness in Motion: The Matka series—are powerful reflections of the Arboretum’s 1,700-acre landscape while exploring Ziemska’s central and re-occurring theme, “We are nature.” With influences drawn from Ziemska’s Polish heritage and her philosophy on the intersections of science, art, and the environment, the works invite visitors to reconsider their relationship with the natural world. 

“Olga’s work is deeply inspired by her Polish heritage, her experiences as a woman in the art world, and the very essence of the Arboretum’s natural landscapes,” said Amy Scott, the Arboretum’s head of exhibitions. “Her sculptures also reflect her thoughtful exploration of the connections between science, art, and philosophy.”

Ziemska’s sculptures range in size from 5 feet to 14 feet tall and span up to 45 feet in length. The pieces are made from a mix of organic and man-made materials, including steel and glass-fiber reinforced concrete, chosen to withstand the changing Midwest weather. Volunteers from the Arboretum helped prepare the natural materials, including fallen tree branches from species such as sugar maple and wild black cherry.

Among the key pieces is Ona, a 14-foot-tall female form with wind-swept tree branch hair and mirrored eyes, located on the Arboretum’s West Side. The exhibition’s other sculptures—Oculus, Strata, Hear: With an ear to the ground, and Stillness in Motion: The Matka series—also delve into themes of connection to the Earth, using natural materials to create large-scale forms that embody human and environmental interactions.For more information about Of the Earth and to purchase general admission tickets to experience the awe-inspiring exhibition at The Morton Arboretum before it closes, visit mortonarb.org.