Installations, Part III

Bill Cohn, Cairn
Bill Cohn, Cairn

Saturday, the third day of installations for Art on the Trails began with Bill Cohn building four cairn on the Hemlock trail. These sculptures were made from rock and ceramic castings of rocks threaded onto lightening rods. At first glance, all of the parts look like rocks, but upon closer inspection, these beautiful forms are something else altogether.

Chelsea Bradway, All Things Sparkley

Bill spent three hours placing and building each one, before assisting Chelsea Bradway and I with her installation, All Things Sparkley. This piece required Chelsea to climb a giant lichen-covered fallen tree while I climbed an extension ladder, and we unwound the mirrored hanging installation that she made with her son, Max and daughter, Miley. Bill alternately spotted the ladder and took pictures.

Freedom Baird, Intention Port
Freedom Baird, Intention Port

Meanwhile, down the path near Ice Pond, Freedom Baird laid out tarps and donned protective clothing in preparation for the creation of Intention Port.  A week earlier, we had determined this was the best spot, despite the extraordinary proliferation of poison ivy. This photo shows only the beginnings of the finished piece.  I left her at this spot late in the afternoon, where she worked for several more hours.

Now, finally, it was time for me to install my own piece in the big oak tree on Lone Wolf Trail. It was back in my studio so I headed home.

Once I returned, I decided to take a quick nap as it had been a busy day. A few hours later, I woke up and realized it was not going to happen on Saturday.

Sunday, in the drizzle, with the assistance of my son, Ben, we hung the work, called Ungrounded. Those who were expecting a piece called Ladder to Heaven might be surprised as that piece never came to fruition.  While I was diligent in recording every other installation, it was not on my mind during my own. You will have to come to Beals Preserve to see it or wait for pictures after the opening.

I am excited to say that the weather is looking promising for the opening tomorrow. Please join us for an interesting walk in the woods with the participating artists. If you can’t make it, the work will be on the trails through September 24th.



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