Sam Van Aken, a professor of sculpture in the College of Visual and Performing Arts at Syracuse University, is a contemporary artist who works beyond traditional modes of artmaking, crossing artistic genres and disciplines to develop new perspectives on such themes as agriculture, botany, climatology, memory, and the ever-increasing impact of technology.

Van Aken’s works in the natural and public realm are seen as metaphors that serve as the basis of narrative, sites of place making, collective learning, and in some cases have even become the basis of scientific research. His expertise is in sculpture and 3D arts, installation, site-specific sculpture, environmental art, public art, social practices, sound art, art theory, and professional practices.

He is well-known for his Tree of 40 Fruit, a single tree that produces 40 different types of stone fruit including peaches, plums, apricots, nectarines, cherries, and almonds. Created through the process of grafting, the Tree of 40 Fruit blossoms in variegated tones of pink, crimson and white in spring, and in summer bear a multitude of fruit. Primarily composed of heirloom and antique varieties, the Tree of 40 Fruit is a form of conservation, preserving stone fruit varieties that are not commercially produced or available.

Ambler Campus
Monday, March 10 & Tuesday, March 11
Grafting Workshop
Learn the art of grafting in this hands-on workshop.

Green Hallway, Tyler School of Art and Architecture
Wednesday, March 12 | 12:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Botanical Cyanotype Workshop
Discover the historical image-making process and create your own cyanotype! Open to all.

ARCH 104, Tyler School of Art and Architecture
Thursday, March 13 | 5:30 PM
Public Lecture: Sam Van Aken
Join us for an inspiring talk by artist Sam Van Aken on his creative work. Open to all.

Courtyard, Tyler School of Art and Architecture
Friday, March 14
Tree of 40 Fruit Planting
Stop by to see the planting of the "Tree of 40 Fruit" and learn about the different varieties expected this summer. Open to all.

Image: Tree of 40 Fruit (top) and diagram for Tree of 40 Fruit, courtesy of Sam Van Aken