Art with a side of apples in Easthampton this fall
Photography by Patrick Brough
Farms and gardens are works of art in their own right, but how about visiting an apple orchard sprinkled with sculptures, poetry and dance this Fall? Art in the Orchard 2013 (AiO13) is a multifaceted sculpture exhibit on the grounds of Park Hill Orchard in Easthampton, Mass. The core project is a sculpture trail showcasing 3-dimensional outdoor works and installations created by local and regional artists open to the public daily beginning in late August. Additional events such as music, moonlight walks and performances are scheduled during most weekends through the festival's close on October 31.
Park Hill first hosted Art in the Orchard in 2011. Alane Hartley and Russell Braen, orchard owners since 2007, had always wanted their farm play an active part in the local cultural economy. Combined with the dream of Easthampton gallery Eastmont Custom Framing owner Jean-Pierre Pasche to recreate an outdoor sculpture exhibit like the one set in meadows near his hometown in Switzerland, the group applied for and received a grant from Easthampton's Cultural Council Easthampton City Arts+ for "art in unusual places.” The success of AiO2011 exceeded all expectations, with thousands of visitors discovering the sculpture trail and Park Hill over the 10 week period, many returning more than once. This was recognized by the Massachusetts Cultural Council who awarded Art in the Orchard one of its three annual Gold Star Awards, out of more than 5000 projects funded annually by local cultural councils statewide.
AiO13 is open to the public daily for self-guided tours of the sculpture trail in addition to numerous events happening most weekends through the festival’s close on October 31. From yoga and comedy to painting lessons and moonlight walks, there is a chance for all to connect with art in such a beautiful natural setting.
Events at AiO13
Mountain Poses with Mountain Views
Every Sunday, 11am-12pm
The teachers from Indigo Yoga give people an opportunity to practice yoga movement at all levels. They draw on years of experience, education and a gentle heart space to create a safe healing environment for all. All levels are welcome for all of our classes, with attention offered to new students and people with injuries or special needs. Walk-ins welcome. Suggested donation $10
Orchard Walk
Every Sunday, 12 pm
Join Park Hill Orchard owner Russell Braen at noon for a walk through the fruit trees as we will sample the fruit from the 40 varieties in our collection. Learn about the apple harvest and the distinct flavors and texture of each variety as they come into perfect ripeness. Weather permitting.
Storytelling by Gail Herman
Sunday, September 1, 2 pm and Monday, September 2, 11 am
Easthampton Paint Out: Plein Air Competition
Saturday, September 7 through Saturday, September 14
Art in the Orchard (AiO) is supporting Nash Gallery’s Plein Air sixth annual Painting Competition and Exhibition. Come paint at the Park Hill Orchard, portray your favorite sculpture or the beautiful surroundings in your own painting style. Prizes are awarded at Nash Gallery. Oils, acrylic, watercolor and mixed media/painting works are accepted.
Painting Workshops with Marlene Rye
Saturday, September 7 , 10-12:30; Sunday, September 8, 10-12:30; Saturday, September 14, 10-12:30
In addition to being a full time professional artist, Rye runs multi-media art classes and a summer camp in her studio. The emphasis in her teaching is on having students find their own creative voices through a variety of fine art materials. Kids of all ages receive high quality instruction in printmaking, oil painting, acrylic painting, sculpture, collage and drawing. "My job is to nurture and coax their creativity and I am constantly amazed at where their imagination takes us!" She has been painting the landscape for 20 years, and teaching people of all ages for 15 years. Ages 7 and up. $35 per session, or all three for $90.
Scarescrow demo with artist Michael Melle
Saturday, September 14, 1 pm and Saturday, October 26 1 pm
Artist Michael Melle creates beauty with paint, charcoal, wax, hay, and stone, crafting images of humans, real and imagined.
Full Moon Walk
Thursday, September 19, 7:30 pm
Walk the beautiful grounds and view the sculptures at night during this full moon torchlight walk. Poets are encouraged to join in and share their inspirations!
A E I O Ukes
Sunday, September 22, 1 pm
Join the fun with Joe Blumenthal‘s Ukulele Players as they strum and sing popular tunes. Open to anyone who would like to sing or play (Bring your own instrument)!
100,000 Poets for Change Day of Music and Spoken Word
Saturday, September 28, 1 pm
Meat for Tea, hosts a day of music and spoken word as Easthampton's contribution to the worldwide 100,000 Poets for Change movement.
Photo Contest
Until October 1
The Robert Floyd Photo Gallery in Southampton seeks your AiO 2013 photos! This juried contest is open to the public. Deadline is October 1. $10 submission fee.
Dance with Terre Unité Parker
Saturday, October 5, 5 pm
Parker is an experimental dance artist who will create a site-specific dance installation during Art in the Orchard.
Kelly Silliman/The tinydance Project
Sunday, October 13, 1 pm
Sounds in the Shed
Sunday, October 13, 2 pm
Chris Blair and dan Towar K continuous ambient "living soundtrack"
Art and See
Wednesday, October 16, 7 pm
Off site @ Flywheel, 43 Main St, Easthampton
A panel discussion by some of the AiO13 sculptors. Sponsored by Easthampton City Arts+.
FamiliesDancing!
Saturday, October 19, 10:30 am
Shake your funny bones, move your body, and stretch your imagination in this creative dance workshop designed for children and adults. Play with creative movement responses to the sculptures and landscape at Park Hill Orchard. No experience necessary! All ages welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult. Suggested Donation $5-10
Chainsaw Carving Art with Dave Conklin
Saturday, October 19, 11:30 am
Spoken Word
Saturday, October 19, 4-6 pm
Easthampton City Arts+ Unbuttoned, an Evening of Spoken Word holds a special event of poetry games and readings for kids on from 4 to 5 pm, followed by an open mic (for grown-ups) from 5 to 6 pm.
Artist Reception
Sunday, October 20 2-4 pm
Music, photos, awards, and kudos. Come join in the fun. Come celebrate AiO13 with the artists, sponsors, and volunteers. Find out which sculptures is this year’s People’s Choice.
Comedy with Seth Lepore
Sunday, October 27 2-5 pm
Join Lepore, locally based humorist /performing artist, as he gives an improvised, tongue-in-cheek walking tour of Art in Orchard. Suggested donation $15
"SPOOKY" Stories for Halloween with Gail Herman and Bob Reiser
Sunday, October 27, Tuesday, October 29 and Thursday, October 31 at 5 pm
Stories from the Givers of Shivers and Quivers. Open storytelling mic afterward.