Senator Tree exhibit closing Tuesday

The Museum of Seminole County History will host a closing reception for The Senator’s Sculptures: Ancient Wood Reborn, an exhibit presenting works crafted by Florida artists using remains from the Senator tree on Tuesday, September 29 at the Museum (300 Bush Boulevard, Sanford). The reception and an auction preview will begin at 5:30 p.m., and the event features a live auction of over 50 pieces of art created from The Big Tree from 6-8 p.m.

Only a portion of the collection will be available for auction. A number of items will be loaned to local municipalities and agencies for public art display, some pieces will be part of a traveling exhibit, and a representative collection of Senator art will remain on display at the Museum. A wide variety of items to be auctioned include but are not limited to furniture, desk accessories, bowls, and carvings.

Provisions have been made for both proxy bidding and payment by credit card through PayPal. For proxy bids, pre-registration through H&H Auction House is required before 5 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 28 by calling (386) 479-8293.

All proceeds from the auction will benefit the development of a Senator traveling exhibit through the non-profit Seminole County Historical Society. Professional auction services will be provided by H & H Auction House of Sanford. Free admission, complimentary refreshments, and a meet and greet with Senator wood artists will be offered, as well.

The Museum of Seminole County History is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 1:00PM to 5:00PM, and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.. Admission is $1.07 for children 4-18 and students, adult admission is $3.21. For more details, please call (407) 665-2489.

The Senator, a 3,500-year-old Bald Cypress tree, served as a landmark and local attraction for hundreds of years. The Senator was tragically burned on January 16, 2012 at its Longwood home in Big Tree Park, part of the 1,400-acre Spring Hammock Preserve.