by Julie Gowel ·
Friday, September 13, 2024
A line of cars stretched about a half-mile down Eldridge Road on Sunday, Sept. 8, as art and nature enthusiasts attended the opening of the sculpture walk “Around the Pond and Through the Woods” at Old Frog Pond Farm. This is the 18th year sculptor, poet, and farmer Linda Hoffman has hosted the event.
The deep, melodic tones of Kingfishers’ double bass, the live band playing at the reception, drifted across the gentle breeze, welcoming guests to begin their journey. A cloudless blue sky and temperatures hinting at autumn provided an ideal setting for meandering through the trails replete with art so in touch with its surroundings that you might miss it if you weren’t paying attention.
“I remember when I first put those small meditating figures [on display],” Hoffman said of her piece, “Sitting Figures,” which are bronze sculptures about 5 inches in height sitting atop flat stones along the bank of the pond. “I wondered if people would see them. It turns out, yes. People connect with something like that.”
“Sitting Figures” was Watertown resident Kirk Abrams’ favorite. “The little Buddhas work with the texture of the pond and the lighting,” he said. “They look like they belong there. I like art that looks like it’s where it belongs.”
Ruth Neeman’s “Pig Mondrian.”
Larry Dehart and Kirk Abrams pose in front of “Birdhouse Over Old Frog Pond Farm” by artist Max Bard. (Photos by Julie Gowel)
While many pieces blend with the surroundings, there are a few that add pops of color along the path, such as Burlington artist Ruth Neeman’s “Pig Mondrian.” The white piglet with black lines of varying thickness, yellow ears, and pops of red, inspired by early 20th-century Dutch painter Piet Mondrian, was a whimsical addition to the exhibit. “They were on the Common in Burlington for the summer,” said Neeman of “Pig Mondrian” and her husband and fellow artist’s pig sculpture “Patches.” “Now, before they go to hibernate for the winter, they’re spending the fall here.”
The setting was so idyllic it drew artists seeking inspiration and working with other types of media. A sketch artist sat alongside the “Sitting Figures” to capture the landscape using charcoal pencils. Larry Backus set up his easel and watercolors to capture the musicians. Antonia Araya Budnik provided an interactive dance presentation in which observers were encouraged to engage with the setting Budnik had created. Hanging from strings of various colors were random items of clothing, household goods, and pictures. Budnik would remain still at times, and incorporate movement at others, drawing a crowd.
While many of the 54 sculptures along the walk have been in residence for years, Hoffman said there are 15-20 new artists as well as new pieces from returning artists for revelers to enjoy. The exhibit will be open Wednesdays through Sundays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., through Oct. 14 and is free to the public, though donations are accepted. Pick-your-own organic apples are available Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pick-your-own raspberries are available Wednesdays through Sundays, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.