Processing Collapse in Woodstock

Artist Engagement Hours

Processing Collapse is a public art project about tree extinction, created by artists Michael Asbill and Ripley Butterfield. Through this socially engaged initiative, the artists will open their research process to the public as they develop a formal proposal–turning the YES Gallery into a living mind map–for a permanent artwork at the new Woodstock Library. Every Thursday afternoon from 2-5pm throughout the exhibition, Asbill and Butterfield will be on-site at WAAM, inviting visitors into conversation and collaboration. Their goal is to transform remnants of collapsing tree species into permanent sculptures—enduring elements within a vibrant public space. These sculptural works will honor both the disappearance of local trees and the larger ecological toll of human activity on the Catskills forests.