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UOG Students Build Tree Art Installation from Recycled Materials

UOG Students Build Tree Art Installation from Recycled Materials

UOG Students Build Tree Art Installation from Recycled Materials


6/20/2025
As part of their final class project, UOG Environmental Art students transformed a tree near the RFK Library into a thoughtful installation about community and connection. On view through June 30.
As part of their final class project, UOG Environmental Art students transformed a tree near the RFK Library into a thoughtful installation about community and connection. On view through June 30.
From concept to construction, this student-led project brought together artists from across class levels and majors. In this photo: Maria Sol Marques (right), Kai Chaco (left), are joined by a friend to showcase the art installation. 
From concept to construction, this student-led project brought together artists from across class levels and majors. In this photo: Maria Sol Marques (right), Kai Chaco (left), are joined by a friend to showcase the art installation. 
UOG Environmental Art students built their tree art installation using materials such as recycled bamboo and pine wood from Charter Day huts and local pallets.
UOG Environmental Art students built their tree art installation using materials such as recycled bamboo and pine wood from Charter Day huts and local pallets.
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Students in the University of Guam’s Environmental Art class have created a tree-based eco-art installation near the RFK Library using bamboo, pine wood, and other repurposed materials. The collaborative piece, part of their final project for the Fañomnåkan 2025 semester, will remain on display through June 30.

The structure features a ground-level platform, and a second platform elevated six feet up the tree, connected by a ladder to represent different layers of social space. Though the installation is sturdy, the university advises against climbing on it for safety reasons.

“This was such a great project for me,” said Maria Sol Marques, one of the student-artists. “We wanted to create a space where students can just hang out with friends...somewhere not defined by a major or classroom. These trees already hold so many memories for us, and we wanted to build something inspired by that.”

The project was led by art professor Dr. Irena Keckes and included students from different class levels and majors. Materials were sourced from previous Charter Day huts and wood pallets from Cost-U-Less. A horticulturist from the University reviewed the design to ensure the tree’s health and safety throughout the installation.

Project Team

  • Dr. Irena Keckes, Project Leader
  • Maria Sol Marques
  • Kai Chaco
  • Sean Butler
  • Kadyn Weibling

Stop by and see the installation near the RFK Library before June 30.

For more information, contact Dr. Irena Keckes at keckesi@triton.uog.edu.

Photos courtesy of Maria Sol Marques.