Series of nature-inspired art events begins May 31
Conservation Conversation is a series of related events that highlight different forms of nature-inspired expression in the enjoyment and protection of natural habitats. Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary, the Desmond-Fish Library, Garrison Art Center and Hudson Highlands Land Trust have teamed up to offer activities and presentations that encourage participants to add their own voices and observations to inspiring presentations by professional and student artists and poets.
The program launches with a pop-up exhibition, Breathing Space for the Hudson, at Garrison Art Center, 23 Garrison’s Landing, on May 31, from 3 to 5 p.m. Brandon Ballengée, visual artist, biologist and environmental activist based in New York City, presents an exhibition of interdisciplinary artworks inspired from his ecological field and laboratory research along with a dynamic presentation and talk. The show includes works from Breathing Space for the Hudson as well as works from his project Frameworks of Absence.
Conservation Conversation continues June 26, from 10:30 to 3 p.m., with a family workshop A Nest for Every Bird, offered by Constitution Marsh and the Desmond-Fish Library, that begins with an exploration of the world of birds and their natural habitats at the marsh, followed by an afternoon of bird-inspired stories and creativity at the library. Artwork created as part of the program will be exhibited in the library’s children’s room throughout the summer. During the opening reception on July 10, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., young artists are invited to speak about what inspired their nests.
In addition, the public is invited to visit Hudson Highlands Land Trust’s River of Words Poetry Trail at Constitution Marsh from July 13 through Aug. 17, during visiting hours. The Poetry Trail is a self-guided outdoor exhibition of nature-inspired children’s poetry that winds through the sanctuary. Featured works are created by students from public schools within the Land Trust’s mission area during environmental education workshops offered free through HHLT’s Regional River of Words program.
