The Reincarnation of Biloxi Live Oak Trees

Julie · 03-13-2007, 09:32 PM

Hoorah for ingenuity, creativity and the reincarnation of trees!

http://www.biloxi.ms.us/cityatwork

Mississippi Department of Transportation crews are scheduled to begin removing standing dead trees from the medians of U.S. 90 in Biloxi in the next couple of weeks, and Mayor A.J. Holloway has coordinated a plan in which the remaining trunks will be transformed into sculpted works of art.

Dozens of live oaks have died in the center medians of the scenic highway in the 16 months since Hurricane Katrina, and, under Holloway’s plan, MDOT crews will leave as much as 20 feet of the tree trunks in place, where international award-winning “chainsaw artist” Dayton Scoggins of Mississippi will sculpt a variety of marine-related objects.

“We’ve had more than 300 trees of different varieties planted in Biloxi on public property alone since Hurricane Katrina,” Holloway said, “and in this particular project, we’re giving a second life to something Mother Nature attempted to destroy. We were dealt lemons and now we’re going to make lemonade.”

Holloway approached Southern District Transportation Commissioner Wayne Brown and Harrison County Parkway Commission Director Bobby Weaver about the project on Dec. 7. Gulfport Public Works Director Kris Riemann, who had artist Scoggins sculpt a tree in Gulfport, originally suggested the idea to Biloxi.

The mayor envisions a tree-sculpture garden where a collection of dead oak trees now stands a couple blocks west of the Biloxi Lighthouse, with several other sculptures created in the median further west toward Rodenburg Avenue. Biloxi will pay $4,000 for the initial sculpting, while MDOT will fund the preliminary "topping" of the trees.

“We’re happy to be a part of this cooperative project,” Commissioner Brown said. “This is, after all, a scenic highway, and I certainly hope that people realize that it involves only those trees that have been deemed as dead, by both MDOT and the city’s arborist. The last thing we want to do – and we will not do – is to take down a live oak.”

Scoggins, who was born in Greene County and lives in Sandersville, Miss., has successfully represented the United States in international woodcarving competitions and has also won numerous awards in competitions throughout the country. To see samples of his stump carvings, click here.

Harrison County crews will continue to be responsible for the maintaining the medians around the sculptures, which Scoggins will treat with an environmentally friendly preservative.

Should the artwork ever be deemed a distraction to passing motorists, Holloway and Brown said, the trunks could be relocated to nearby city parks.

Four live oak trees in the median of U.S. Highway 90 Biloxi that died as a result of Hurricane Katrina received new life at the hands of skilled chainsaw artist Dayton Scoggins.

Marc · 03-14-2007, 10:39 AM

awesome pics Julie

The Good Reverend, MATCHEW · 03-14-2007, 11:08 AM

That's really cool.

sweetnsassy · 03-14-2007, 11:19 AM

Isn't that the coolest thing! Instead of letting them sit there dead, he made them something for everyone to remember that comes to the coast!

sixstringer66 · 03-14-2007, 01:24 PM

until the next hurricane washes em away

Julie · 03-14-2007, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marc

awesome pics Julie

Oh! Abby sent me those pics... I'm not sure who took them.

I'm driving to the French Quarter in just a few minutes, with a quick stop in Biloxi. If I have enough time I want to see if Dayton began on the others yet and if so, I'll snap a few of them.

Julie · 03-16-2007, 12:14 PM

FYI:

This chainsaw artist, Dayton Scoggins, will be at the Azalea Fest at Mary G. Montgomery High School in Semmes, Al (outside Mobile) on Saturday, March 24th. He will demonstrate his art as well as have some of his work for sale. Other events include antique car display, Uncle Joe's petting zoo, train rides, plant sale, art contest, arts and crafts, cheerleaders, bake-off contest, plant sale and plenty of entertainment. If anyone is interested in attending and needs directions, just message me.

Mikael · 03-16-2007, 12:40 PM

They need to get rid of all of those and expand 90 to four lanes in each direction, with two turning lanes like you'd find if you were turning from 90 to Keesler.

Craig, Priest of the Temples of Syrinx · 03-16-2007, 12:43 PM

F that. Leave 90 alone, replace the train tracks with another E-W corridor.

As for the carvings - absolutely awesome.

How much do you want to bet that some drunk redneck with a chainsaw will try to steal some of them?
*sigh* - another thing that I won't miss about Mississippi

Mikael · 03-16-2007, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig

F that. Leave 90 alone, replace the train tracks with another E-W corridor.

Not a bad idea either.

03-13-2007, 09:32 PM	#1 (permalink)
Julie (((ThatGirl))) Screamo for Emo Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Mobile, Alabama Posts: 227 Rep Power: 46	The Reincarnation of Biloxi Live Oak Trees Hoorah for ingenuity, creativity and the reincarnation of trees! http://www.biloxi.ms.us/cityatwork Mississippi Department of Transportation crews are scheduled to begin removing standing dead trees from the medians of U.S. 90 in Biloxi in the next couple of weeks, and Mayor A.J. Holloway has coordinated a plan in which the remaining trunks will be transformed into sculpted works of art. Dozens of live oaks have died in the center medians of the scenic highway in the 16 months since Hurricane Katrina, and, under Holloway’s plan, MDOT crews will leave as much as 20 feet of the tree trunks in place, where international award-winning “chainsaw artist” Dayton Scoggins of Mississippi will sculpt a variety of marine-related objects. “We’ve had more than 300 trees of different varieties planted in Biloxi on public property alone since Hurricane Katrina,” Holloway said, “and in this particular project, we’re giving a second life to something Mother Nature attempted to destroy. We were dealt lemons and now we’re going to make lemonade.” Holloway approached Southern District Transportation Commissioner Wayne Brown and Harrison County Parkway Commission Director Bobby Weaver about the project on Dec. 7. Gulfport Public Works Director Kris Riemann, who had artist Scoggins sculpt a tree in Gulfport, originally suggested the idea to Biloxi. The mayor envisions a tree-sculpture garden where a collection of dead oak trees now stands a couple blocks west of the Biloxi Lighthouse, with several other sculptures created in the median further west toward Rodenburg Avenue. Biloxi will pay $4,000 for the initial sculpting, while MDOT will fund the preliminary "topping" of the trees. “We’re happy to be a part of this cooperative project,” Commissioner Brown said. “This is, after all, a scenic highway, and I certainly hope that people realize that it involves only those trees that have been deemed as dead, by both MDOT and the city’s arborist. The last thing we want to do – and we will not do – is to take down a live oak.” Scoggins, who was born in Greene County and lives in Sandersville, Miss., has successfully represented the United States in international woodcarving competitions and has also won numerous awards in competitions throughout the country. To see samples of his stump carvings, click here. Harrison County crews will continue to be responsible for the maintaining the medians around the sculptures, which Scoggins will treat with an environmentally friendly preservative. Should the artwork ever be deemed a distraction to passing motorists, Holloway and Brown said, the trunks could be relocated to nearby city parks. Four live oak trees in the median of U.S. Highway 90 Biloxi that died as a result of Hurricane Katrina received new life at the hands of skilled chainsaw artist Dayton Scoggins. __________________ It is who we become that changes the world and our environment, not what we do. John Whitehouse May 4 1960 - January 28 2008 Last edited by Julie; 03-13-2007 at 09:50 PM.

03-14-2007, 10:39 AM	#2 (permalink)
Marc Administrator GCB Senior Citizen Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The hearts of women everywhere. Age: 29 Posts: 3,952 Rep Power: 51	awesome pics Julie __________________ GCB Myspace Need Guitar Tabs? Need Song Lyrics?

03-14-2007, 11:08 AM	#3 (permalink)
The Good Reverend, MATCHEW Agent Jones, at your service. GCB Senior Citizen Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 2,409 Rep Power: 34	That's really cool. __________________ www.Ko-Lija.com www.MySpace.com/KoLija www.MySpace.com/OSMUSICFEST

03-14-2007, 11:19 AM	#4 (permalink)
sweetnsassy Band Whore Join Date: May 2006 Age: 34 Posts: 424 Rep Power: 28	Isn't that the coolest thing! Instead of letting them sit there dead, he made them something for everyone to remember that comes to the coast! __________________ Live every day to the fullest! Love like it's your last day here and never forget the people who mean the most to you!

03-14-2007, 01:24 PM	#5 (permalink)
sixstringer66 Band Member Band Whore Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Here Nor There Posts: 656 Rep Power: 46	until the next hurricane washes em away __________________ The following post does not reflect ideas, values, or opinions of GCB.. furthermore, Some or all of this post was not written for reliable information of any sort, you must consult an officially qualified professional in your local area. You use this at your own risk. You bought the ticket.....You take the ride!!!! http://www.myspace.com/sixstringer66 You know what sucks? One day we'll all be dead.

03-16-2007, 12:14 PM	#7 (permalink)
Julie (((ThatGirl))) Screamo for Emo Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Mobile, Alabama Posts: 227 Rep Power: 46	FYI: This chainsaw artist, Dayton Scoggins, will be at the Azalea Fest at Mary G. Montgomery High School in Semmes, Al (outside Mobile) on Saturday, March 24th. He will demonstrate his art as well as have some of his work for sale. Other events include antique car display, Uncle Joe's petting zoo, train rides, plant sale, art contest, arts and crafts, cheerleaders, bake-off contest, plant sale and plenty of entertainment. If anyone is interested in attending and needs directions, just message me. __________________ It is who we become that changes the world and our environment, not what we do. John Whitehouse May 4 1960 - January 28 2008

03-16-2007, 12:40 PM	#8 (permalink)
Mikael Band Member Band Whore Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Down In a Hole Posts: 905 Rep Power: 45	They need to get rid of all of those and expand 90 to four lanes in each direction, with two turning lanes like you'd find if you were turning from 90 to Keesler. __________________ I just saved a ton of money on car insurance by switching to no car insurance!!! www.myspace.com/13468360

03-16-2007, 12:43 PM	#9 (permalink)
Craig, Priest of the Temples of Syrinx Band Member Band Whore Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 734 Rep Power: 46	F that. Leave 90 alone, replace the train tracks with another E-W corridor. As for the carvings - absolutely awesome. How much do you want to bet that some drunk redneck with a chainsaw will try to steal some of them? sigh - another thing that I won't miss about Mississippi