Gordie Morton, Russell Tandy, and Jared Gussin are three gentlemen who find that art and music together really hit home. It is a part of who they are and everything they love. This group envisions a world where everyone should do what they love, and turn it into something awesome.
The seeds of this vision have been rooted in them for years. Royal Oak native, Gordie Morton, is a graphic design major who is inspired to help other people after his own life experiences. Russell Tandy is a broadcasting major from Traverse City, who is passionate about producing electronic music after seeing top music producers in concert. Then there’s Jared Gussin, who completes the trio, and majors in business and entrepreneurship, while minoring in outdoor and environmental education.
Central Michigan University brought them together, where their passions for art and music intertwined, and sprouted into a project they call the Tree Love Collective. Their mission is to bring artists together to inspire positivity and spread love by creating original art, while giving back to communities. The project started last year as a collection of art and photography. Since then the Tree Love Collective has grown as an organization, hosting different shows to sell art, spread awareness, and plant the seeds of passion in others.
Their biggest success, the Sights and Sounds event, showcases this culture where multiple artists create live paintings. Tandy says, “These events are an example of the power behind a community of people who come together to support each other.” The group continues this support by branching out and donating a portion of their events’ revenue. The artists, “Art Road” (a non-profit organization, supporting art in schools) and others in this culture receive support as the Tree Love Collective continues to work and “change the vibe” through art and music.