Mel Watkin explores the dichotomous forces of nature by drawing the trees surrounding her old farmhouse in rural Southern Illinois. While the drawings are realistically rendered, they are actually altered compilations of different species. Recently her rural area lost over 3,000 trees in a derecho leaving a massive visual, emotional and environmental gap. For several years replicating the huge scale of the lost trees was a major factor of her work. Revolving is a 46-foot-long drawing of a life-size falling tree that cycles through the seasons of the year before returning to the earth.

Free Gallery Talk with Mel Watkin: Friday, May 6, Starting at The Gallery at The Kranzberg, 6 p.m. Followed by Watkin talking about her exhibit, Revolving, with Q&A and cocktails at The Sheldon, 7 p.m.