Trees/Plant/People/Time

Trees/Plant/People/Time explores relationships between people and trees through personal stories of planting. Combining documentary audio, video, painting, sound design, and environmental installation, the work invites visitors to rest and listen. The installation celebrates trees as part of our stories, and us as part of theirs –  through life cycles and seasons.

Climate Imaginarium has transformed an old Colonels Row house on Governor’s Island, NYC into a gallery and event space. Trees/Plant/People/Time occupies an upstairs bedroom. 

Saturdays and Sundays, between 12 PM and 5 PM, from July 11 to October 25

Climate Imaginarium, 406A Comfort Road, Governors Island, NY

Opening Reception, July 12, 3-5 PM 

Concept, Direction & Video — Nicole Betancourt

Sound Design & Original Composition — Bray Poor

Paintings — Jeanne Betancourt

Scenic Design & Spatial Environment — Kimie Nishikawa

Producing — Kyrie McCormick

Creative Arboriculture — Mike Johnson

Production Assistant — Maggie Arnold

Projection Design Support — Becca Pearce

Projection Design Support — Erica Blumrosen

Carpenter — Steven Brenman 

Partnering Artist

Fran Beallor's Painting "My bookshelf: Who writes for the trees? Who reads for the trees?" is a portrait of books she recommends about human's relationship with trees.

Thank You

With gratitude to the individuals who shared their tree-planting stories and their trees - they form the heart of this installation. Thank you to the Climate Imaginarium volunteers and I&Me Farm for the shooting location. Thank you to our sponsors CharocoalBlue, FiveOhm, Erica Blumrosen, David Weisberger, Paget Walker, and Mike Johnson.

​For the weekend ferry schedule to Governors Island, please check here. Ferries run every 15 minutes. Take the ferry that’s most convenient for you from either Lower Manhattan (10 South Street), Brooklyn Bridge Park (Pier 6), or Red Hook/Atlantic Basin. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your ferry departure time with your ticket ready to display.

​Ferry tickets must be purchased at the ferry terminal or online. Fares are $5 for a round trip ticket and free for adults over 65, children 12 and under, Climate Imaginarium summer volunteers, and others. All passengers ride free before 11am on weekends. Cars are not permitted.

​Governors Island is also accessible from any route via NYC Ferry by transferring at Wall Street/Pier 11. You can find the NYC Ferry schedule here. Tickets on NYC Ferry are $4.50 each way.

​Once you get to Governors Island, you will either get out at Soissons Landing (from Manhattan) or Yankee Pier (from Brooklyn). You can use this map of Governors Island to locate Colonels Row. The Climate Imaginarium is in Building 406A, in the middle of Colonels Row, and will have a visible sign outside the doorway. Our address is 406A Comfort Road.

In June, July, and August: The last ferry from  Manhattan to Governors Island is 8:15 PM (Sunday through Thursday) and  9:15 PM (Friday and Saturday). The last ferry from Governors Island to  Manhattan is 10:00 PM (Sunday through Thursday) and 11:00 PM (Friday and  Saturday).

From September through May: The last ferry from Manhattan to Governors  Island is 4:15 PM. The last ferry from Governors Island to Manhattan is  6:00 PM. After Labor Day, we recommend ending your event by 4pm to  prevent latecomers from getting turned away at the ferry terminal.