Roda Medhat

Sumac Grove was a work shortlisted for the Main Street Unionville Tree Grate and Fence public art project.

Inspired by the rich ecological and cultural tapestry of Unionville, this art proposal for the Main Street Unionville revitalization project employs the life cycle of the staghorn sumac tree to weave a visual narrative across the boulevard's tree grates. Each of the thirteen metal tree grates captures a stage of the sumac's life, beginning with a seed and evolving through growth phases into a flourishing tree adorned with vibrant drupes. This progression is delicately illustrated as one moves along the pathway, with the story reaching its peak at the seventh grate, where it then gracefully reverses, symbolizing the cycle of life and renewal.

The design’s symmetry and natural progression reflect the sumac's ecological significance and its historical use by local Indigenous communities, who valued the tree for its nourishing drink. This historical thread is complemented by references to the sumac's role in Asian herbal medicine, acknowledging the strong East Asian and Chinese presence in Markham. Additionally, the sumac's prominence in Western-Asian and Kurdish cuisine connects the artwork to my personal heritage, fostering a deeper engagement with the community’s diverse cultural landscape.

The corresponding fence design mirrors the full bloom of the sumac, reinforcing the tree's beauty and ecological role. This proposal aims to not only enhance the visual appeal of Main Street but also to educate and connect pedestrians to the historical and cultural layers of the area, fostering a sense of shared heritage and community pride.