Vicco von Voss, a Centreville-based woodworker and furniture maker known for transforming ecologically sourced trees into handcrafted wooden heirlooms, is seeking public input for his latest project, “Woodhenge.” This interactive public art installation, planned for Adkins Arboretum in Caroline County, is inspired by ancient henges like Stonehenge and aims to create a shared space for reflection, education, and connection for the Eastern Shore community.
Developed with a $10,000 planning grant from the Maryland State Arts Council, the project will transform six massive slabs from a tree harvested in Queen Anne’s County into a cultural landmark. Von Voss, whose philosophy is a tribute to the life of the tree, hopes the installation will expose visitors to the “raw energy” of being inside a tree and that it may become a symbol of resilience and transformation.
The project’s intent is to celebrate the tree’s entire existence. To ensure the project reflects the hopes and values of the community, von Voss is inviting Eastern Shore residents and art lovers to share their thoughts through an online survey. The survey serves as a final input round following two public community meetings that occurred earlier this summer. Feedback from the survey will guide the design and purpose of Woodhenge.
Mary McCoy, who has served on Adkins’ art committee for more than two decades champions the project. “Just as the ancient circles of stones or timber were gathering places where people celebrated the relationships of earth, sun, moon and stars, “Woodhenge” will be a welcoming focal point in the Adkins Arboretum landscape,” said McCoy.
As one community member noted in a previous community input meeting, “In the deconstruction [of the tree], it brings the attention to the whole”—drawing a parallel to Cubism in art. The scale of the installation is designed to be awe-inspiring yet grounding. Another attendee at the second community meeting shared that the power of Woodhenge’s design and scale “will make you feel insignificant, but at the same time connected.”
“We want to make sure this is a project that truly belongs to the community,” said von Voss. “Your input is crucial in shaping the vision for Woodhenge and ensuring it becomes a welcoming and meaningful space for everyone.”
The survey, and more information about the project’s intentions, can be accessed at https://www.surveymonkey.com/
The Woodhenge project is currently in the planning phase, with a goal of applying for a second grant to begin construction, which will aid in formation of the project. Further fundraising will be needed for completion. While there is no set timeline, the creators hope to have Woodhenge built and open to the public in 2026 or 2027. It is planned to be located on Nancy’s Meadow on the north side of the Adkins Arboretum property.
To follow along with the process of Woodhenge’s creation, and to learn more about Von Voss’ milling work, custom furniture, timber framing, and upcoming pieces visit viccovonvoss.com.
