In the heart of Plano’s Historic Downtown Arts District, a symbol of resilience and remembrance now stands where people once gathered to admire a towering, ancient tree.
After centuries of sheltering wildlife and watching over generations of Plano residents, the city’s oldest and largest tree — a Bur Oak estimated to be over 400 years old — fell during a fierce storm in October 2023. But thanks to the hands of a local sculptor and the vision of a community that treasures its history, its legacy is far from over.
The Sculpture
This spring, the ArtCentre of Plano unveiled a remarkable 360-degree sculpture created by North Texas artist Larry Solomon. Carved from the very wood of the fallen Bur Oak, the piece now graces the garden outside the ArtCentre’s home at the historic Saigling House in Haggard Park.
Featuring intricate representations of the wildlife that have roamed nearby Bob Woodruff Park for generations, Solomon’s sculpture pays tribute not only to the tree’s longevity but also to its place in Plano’s natural and cultural fabric.
“I chose to sculpt animals that live in Bob Woodruff Park, as this magnificent tree has offered them shelter and protection for over 400 years,” Solomon said in an official statement. “What a privilege it has been to create an art piece that will enable a part of this beautiful tree to live on within our Plano community.”
How The Tree Fell
The Texas Historic Tree Coalition had long recognized the Bur Oak as a natural marvel. Estimated to be at least 400 years old — and possibly as old as 500 — it earned designations as both a Quadricentennial and potential Quincentennial tree. Its collapse on Oct. 26, 2023, was widely mourned by nature lovers and longtime residents alike, prompting heartfelt community reflection.
"To see it gone now, it's an emotional thing for me," Plano arborist Steve Houser said at the time. "And to see your favorite tree lying on the ground, I'm kind of in mourning, you know. I don't know how to describe it."
Rather than letting that grief linger, the city of Plano launched the Quadricentennial Bur Oak Artist Challenge in early 2024, calling on artists and woodworkers across North Texas to create original works using salvaged pieces of the beloved tree. More than 60 artists answered that call. Their work was celebrated at the 2025 Texas Forever Fest, held in the very park that now hosts Solomon’s sculpture.
“The ArtCentre is grateful for Larry Solomon’s creativity and generosity,” said Suzy Jones, executive director of the ArtCentre of Plano. “This sculpture is a welcome addition to our gardens and will attract numerous visitors. It’s a lasting tribute to a tree that meant so much to so many.”
As the sculpture settles into its new home, it offers visitors not just a moment of beauty, but a powerful reminder: even in loss, there is room for renewal — and art can keep the roots of a community alive.
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