The Story behind Trees of Onondaga

Rizzo had two main tasks for her collaborative grant-supported project. The first was to invite Onondaga County residents to go into nature and photograph the most beautiful trees in our county.

Rizzo then selected eight photographs and used them as references in the creation of eight acrylic paintings on canvas. Rizzo’s second task was fulfilled by serving as the artistic director of a Symbolic Tree painted by Onondaga County residents at various libraries in the county.

Black Cherry Tree (Copy)

Black Cherry Tree, 24x24" Acrylic on Canvas. Private Collection

Magnolia Tree (Copy)

Magnolia Tree, 24x18" Acrylic on Canvas. Private Collection

Franklin Square (Copy)

Franklin Square in Spring, 24x36" Acrylic on Canvas. Upstate Cancer Center

Old Sugar Maple (Copy)

Old Sugar Maple, 30x24" Acrylic on Canvas. Private Collection

Willow (Copy)

Willow, 24x18" Acrylic on Canvas. Private Collection

Trees Along the Canal (Copy)

Trees Along the Canal, 30x24" Acrylic on Canvas. Private Collection

Gingko Tree (Copy)

Gingko Tree, 24x18" Acrylic on Canvas. Private Collection

Green Lakes (Copy)

Green Lakes, Acrylic on canvas, 24x36”. SUNY Empire State College in Syracuse, NY

Trees on Franklin (Copy)

Trees on Franklin, 24x30" Acrylic on Canvas. Private Collection

Winter (Copy)

Winter, 24x30" Acrylic on Canvas. Private Collection

Urban Tree (Copy)

Urban Tree, 24"x24" Acrylic on canvas. Private Collection

Aspen (Copy)

Aspen Tree, 36"x18” acrylic on canvas. Private Collection

Tree Map of Onondaga County

Tree Map of Onondaga County, 48”x26” acrylic on Canvas. Permanent Collection at Onondaga Free Library.