Art in the Orchard: What a Wonderful Stroll in Easthampton

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'Song of the Birth of the Stars by Mark Fenwick, is one of the most memorable of the 28 outdoor sculptures you'll find at Art in the Orchard this year.
‘Song of the Birth of the Stars, by Mark Fenwick, is one of the most memorable of the 28 outdoor sculptures you’ll find at Art in the Orchard this year.

 

We had a magical summer evening last week when we visited the Park Hill Orchards in the rolling hills around Easthampton for their bi-annual celebration of outdoor art known as Art in the Orchard. New for this year are spiffy handicap accessible men’s and women’s bathrooms, along with a new roster of art by sculptors from around New England.

Every time we have gone to this event, it’s turned out to be much more than a simple art walk. Perhaps it’s because of the perfect light of the August early evening. Or because we were with good friends, paired off, men with men, women with women taking our time and chatting while enjoying discovering so many sculptures in one place. Perhaps it’s because we took our time and got to see all of the 28 sculptures, and even play with a few of them.

This is why I love Art in the Orchard. You can play with the sculptures, they’re not up on the wall, where a guard might chastise you for touching. One piece is a series of glass bulbs called ‘Chalice and Blade’ by Easthampton artist Eileen Jager that when lightly tapped on emits pretty music. Another called ‘What the Birds Know,’ by Lyn Horan, is a large cone, with birds in the outside, and drones and airplanes inside. How can you help but give it a spin?

The most evocative piece to me is ”Song of the Birth of the Stars by Mark Fenwick, depicting a gaggle of female figures and the spectre of death right behind them. It’s neatly tucked away in the furthest point from the store, and it’s just haunting.  I like art that makes you get emotional, as this piece did for all four of us.

Orchard Pig, by Susan Halls, stands guard over the pretty views at Park Hill Orchard in Easthampton.
Orchard Pig, by Susan Halls, stands guard over the pretty views at Park Hill Orchard in Easthampton.

Art in the Orchard is a real bargain with a simple $5 donation requested. It’s open for strolling from Tuesday-through Sunday and holidays, and will be on exhibit at the orchard from now through October 31.  You can bring a picnic and you can also find perfectly ripe peaches, crisp apples, pears, blueberries and much more in their store. This is the third time in six years that JeanPierre Pasche, the owner of Big Red Frame Framing in Easthampton, has organized this show, and as usual, he’s proud to display this year’s bounty of art.  Good on ya, JeanPierre, another stellar line up and a wonderful addition to the Valley’s art scene!

www.artintheorchard.org