Processing Collapse is a socially engaged artist collaborative making public art about the modern forest.

Our project began when we noticed the collapse of regional ash trees due to the introduction of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). 

In just over a decade, 99% of the mature ash in our region died as a result of EAB infestation. Seen another way, 7% of our forest was lost in the blink of an eye. We want to acknowledge the magnitude of that loss as a relevant, historic event with lasting impacts on our lives and ecosystems. The effects of non-native insects, fungal blights, and extraction on other tree species has inspired the expansion of our research beyond ash.

We strive to build relationship between the public and the forest in our last free commons: public libraries.

Library workers have unique insight about the communities they serve. They engage with local residents across demographics on a daily basis, providing access to information and vital social services as well as opportunities for connection and play. As socially engaged artists, we have found that ongoing conversation and strong rapport with librarians is crucial to the work we want to do.

Using locally sourced remnant wood from species in collapse, we construct custom public artworks.

These range in size and scope, from large-scale fixtures to modest wooden sculptures, to meet the needs of the library space. In all cases, we hope to make relevant, accessible, and inclusive conduits for connecting with the local landscape.