Something new is coming to the trails at Rochester Museum & Science Center’s (RMSC) Cumming Nature Center (CNC) in Naples, and guests are invited to lend a creative hand to help bring it to life.
On Saturday, September 4, and Sunday, September 5, the public will have the opportunity to contribute to a community art project by creating a “Feather of Hope” to add to a woodland sculpture. Participants will hang their Feather of Hope on the sculpture, slowly adding to the larger installation over the weekend. This activity will be available from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Local Finger Lakes artist Kim Bellavia is creating a figurative sculpture based on Emily Dickinson’s poem “Hope is the thing with feathers.” The figure will be sitting in a nest made out of organic, natural materials such as grapevine, willow branches, and sticks. Bellavia uses the imagery of nesting and owls to explore the themes of transformation, hope, and home that have emerged during the pandemic.
“During a time where it can feel difficult to stay connected with others, art can be a meaningful way to engage with people outside of your social circle and form a sense of community,” said Sarah Jacoby Murphy, Communications and Events Manager at CNC. “When people encounter this installation along the trail, we hope they’ll take a moment to pause and think about what brings them hope and what brings them joy even during difficult times in our lives.”
This installation will remain at CNC until October 31, 2021.
This project is made possible with funds from the Decentralization Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of New York State Governor’s Office and the New York State Legislature and administered by Auburn Public Theater’s Finger Lakes Community Arts Grants Program.
Participation in this event is free with the cost of admission to CNC. For more information, go to RMSC.org/feathersofhope.
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