Above: Last year, there was a good turnout for the opening of Art on the Trails. Organizers are welcoming the community to join them again this Wednesday for this year’s exhibit. (image from Facebook)
Earlier this spring, I announced that interested artists were invited to a guided walk. It was to help them prepare their applications to this year’s Art on the Trails juried exhibit at Beals Preserve.
This Wednesday, the community is invited to a walk partly guided by the artists selected to display their works this summer. The walk will also help different kinds of artists to prepare for a new phase of submissions.
At Wednesday, June 13th’s “Moving Celebration” organizers and artists will introduce the public to this year’s exhibit at the preserve – “Unexpected Gestures”:
How does it feel to encounter art in an unexpected place? How does that gesture change the visitors’ experience of nature?
Artists were encouraged to interpret the theme for a natural environment in ways that would “surprise and delight” visitors.
Organizers are also seeking ekphrastic poetry responding to the exhibit again this year. Beginning June 14th through July 30th, they will accept original, unpublished (and relevant) poems:
ekphrastic poetry, which is defined as a vivid description of a scene or, more commonly, a work of art. Through the imaginative act of narrating and reflecting on the “action” of a painting or sculpture, the poet may amplify and expand its meaning.
You don’t need to be a professional poet to take part. Last year, poetry selected for a “chapbook” included ones by a child.
Poems selected this year will be read aloud at the closing ceremony walk on September 23rd and included in a new chapbook. (Stay tuned for those details.)
The Unexpected Gestures opening celebration will take place from 6:00 – 8:00 pm on Wednesday. Walkers should meet at the front “kiosk”. (Click here for the map and directions.)
In between the opening and closing ceremonies, the public will be invited to explore the art on their own.
While you’re there, you can also check out the new Fairy and Gnome Village at the Preserve. Last weekend, young residents helped build the village. (You can check out SOLF’s photos from that event here.) You can build your own contribution to the village when you visit. But there are some restrictions – learn more here.**
You can learn more about Art on the Trails here.
*This replaces last year’s general call for public art contributions. Only contributions to the village are encouraged this year.
Updated (6/11/18 7:55 am): I included the map and directions for this year’s exhibit and opening event.
I love this community effort. Such a wonderful way to explore art and the variety of ways to express. Thank you to everyone who puts the efforts in to make this such a unique Southborough offering.