MIDDLETOWN >> The EcoArts Lake County Sculpture Walk at Middletown Trailside Park is in its final weeks. The walk, now in its 12th year, combines art and nature into one experience. The exhibit is free-of-charge and open everyday from dawn to dusk through Oct. 13.
Professional sculptors and artists and craftspeople have produced works that speak to the natural surroundings of the park, either by the use of natural or repurposed materials, or through an environmental message.
While a variety of concepts and themes are expressed by the artists, the prevailing message is to consider how delicate nature is and how people can preserve and protect our environment.
From the moment viewers start on the trail, they are reminded of the regenerative aspect of nature in Renata Jaworska”s “Force,” a giant chrome heart; wounded it would seem, but caught in the midst of beating regardless. There is an encounter with nature sprites, such as Mary Mattlage”s “Trickster,” a feathered imp peeking from a tree, and deceptively whimsical and delicate “GMOs” by Terry Church. Lisa Kaplan”s powerfully expressive “Who Will Be Our Leaders,” made primarily from earth and straw, depicts a child leading an adult into the future. Additional works from natural materials include Laura Kennedy”s complex “Points of Connection,” created from fallen limbs and branches gleaned from the park, the simply elegant, perfectly serpentine lines created by Chuck Williams in his “Playful Pickets” and “Gourd Flower Tree” stretching towards the skies by Sherry Harris among others.
Unlike a conventional art exhibit, viewers can physically interact with some of the works. Two pieces that literally resonate are: Don Speed”s, “Earth Echoes,” an unconventional gong awaiting your strike; and Diego Harris” astounding “Giant Serpent Horn,” a gigantic musical instrument that you can sing or shout through.
It would be a challenge to take the walk and not be changed in some way.
The Middletown County Trailside Park is located approximately a mile and half from downtown Middletown off Highway 175 and Dry Creek Cutoff.
The sculpture walk is along the center trail and is approximately a quarter of a mile long. There is a free-of-charge guide-book at the entrance to the trail. Attendees are advised to a lunch or dinner and take advantage of the many benches and picnic tables scattered throughout the 107-acre park.
Additional work by eco artists will be exhibited during the month of September at the Life Gallery in Middletown, located at 21037 Calistoga Road and open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
The exhibit opening will be Sept. 6 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. and the public is invited.
For more information visit ecoartsoflakecounty.org or contact ecoartslc@gmail.com or 809-5398.
