MIDDLETOWN — The artistic community of south Lake County will gather at the annual “Art in the Garden” festival at Harbin Hot Springs on Saturday and Sunday. For two days, the Harbin garden will be transformed into a harvest of creativity, with displays, demonstrations, readings and performances. The festival takes place from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Some of the activities scheduled are a silent auction and raffle, bake and food sale, children”s art activities, Tarot readings, art, photography and jewelry sales; and feather hair extensions.
Russell Reza-”Khaliq, poet laureate for Lake County, will host the Literature Grove, featuring poetry readings, book readings and signings.
In the Temple, Harbin will have a cabaret show and Richard Bock and the QLB Orchestra will present special Quantum Light Breath gatherings.
The outdoor stage will feature live music, including Jim Gilkerson and the Skinky Pinky Band. The event will also include live demonstrations by Harbin gardeners.
Regular Harbin guests often use the festival as part of their own weekend retreats focused on creative expression, while taking advantage of Harbin”s clothing-optional spring-fed pools, yoga classes, dances, miles of hiking trails and other amenities.
Other festival guests choose to limit their visit to the garden area and the Temple, home to many of the weekend”s events.
The festival is open to paid Harbin guests. Lake County residents with valid ID who mention this Record-Bee article can receive a special three-hour guest pass to Harbin at a cost of $15 per person. Six-hour day visit passes are available at regular guest rates of $25 for each adult and require a membership that costs $10 per party.
Harbin Hot Springs is located a few miles from Middletown at 18424 Harbin Springs Road. Visit www.harbin.org, or call 987-2477 for guest rates and details.
