A Tree for Anable Basin

Partners
Amorphic Robot Works Amorphic Robot Works is a New York based group of artists, engineers and technicians working together to create robotic performances and installations. Artistic Director Chico MacMurtrie is an innovator in kinetic sculpture, with commissions including Growing, Raining Tree at the Cincinnati Center for Contemporary Art, Fetus to Man in Lille, France, and the soon-to-be- unveiled Totem Mobile at Citroen headquarters in Paris. MacMurtrie's inflatable robots and other work will be highlighted in a solo exhibition at the Andrew Edlin Gallery in New York opening October 17, 2007. A Tree for Anable Basin draws upon his longstanding interest in public space, art and the passage of time.		Place in History Place in History, a non-profit organization founded in 1997, sponsors projects designed to broaden the definition and the reach of community planning and neighborhood history in New York City. In 2005 directors Paul Parkhill and Katherine Gray launched "Long Island City in Context," an alternative neighborhood exploration of the development, redevelopment and perpetual reimagining of Long Island City, one of New York City's most dynamic and misconstrued neighborhoods. In addition to the release of an illustrated book investigating 54 of the neighborhood's key sites, the project included a juried public art competition, of which A Tree for Anable Basin was the winning entry and grant recipient.

Andrew Edlin Gallery Andrew Edlin Gallery opened in 2001 with a focus on artists whose work "reveals a radically individualistic vision." The gallery handles work by both self-taught and academically trained contemporary artists, and represents the Henry Darger Estate exclusively. Andrew Edlin Gallery and AE Space is pleased to announce the solo exhibition and premier of a monumental new work in collaboration with a Place in History, by Chico MacMurtrie/Amorphic Robot Works on view at both gallery locations, and off-site at Anable Basin in the East River, from October 17th, 2007.		Plant Specialists Established in the early 70s, Plant Specialists is a talented team of landscape architects, designers and orticulturists. They consult,design, install and maintain indoor and outdoor gardens throughout the tri-state area. Their experience includes unique site-specitic solutions that blend ecological expertise with creative design savvy. Plant Specialists' service to the Long Island City community includes 20 years with the Socrates Sculpture Park Community Works Initiative, through which they have trained the park's staff and donated every plant. Recently, Plant Specialists expanded the program to fund job training programs in the area. Plant Specialists has generously donated the landscaping elements of Tree for Anable Basin.

The Urban Divers Estuary Conservancy The Urban Divers Estuary Conservancy (UDEC) is a not-for-profit environmental and cultural organization committed to active public participation in the restoration, protection, and education about New York City's estuary habitats and the communities that live, learn, work, and play along its shores. Its robust youth and adult environmental education programs include clean water action events, eco-cruises, stewardship opportunities, scientific diving, and an annual art and environment festival. Director Ludger Balan and the Urban Divers have supported A Tree for Anable Basin with knowledge about the fluctuating marine habitat as well as logistical and technical support for installation.		Friends of the Anable Tree Project Plaxall Long Island City Community Boathouse National Endowment for the Arts New York City Department of Cultural Affairs Independence Community Foundation New York City Audubon Socrates Sculpture Park New York Water Taxi Meatspace Gallery Sculpture Center Queens Community Board 2
Thanks and Support
The artists wish to thank the entire Amorphic Robot Works team, with special thanks to Arpita Dey, Justin Downs, Aynsley Harwell, Adam Martinez, Bruce Mulligan, Brett Van Aalsburg, and others. In addition to the original NEA grant from Place in History, the project has received support from the Andrew Edlin Gallery. We continue to seek funding from public and private sources for successful continuation of the project. The Tree is considering new places to migrate. Let us know if you have a spot to suggest or offer. For more information on supporting the project or becoming a Community Partner, please contact us at gideon@anabletree.com. Team Members: Gideon Fink Shapiro Eve Hadley Michael Lum Chico MacMurtrie Joe Nelson