Middletown Art Center (MAC) is seeking artists interested in responding to the natural environment of Middletown Trailside Park through materials and content. Participation is a unique opportunity to address continuous recovery through thoughtful artistry and/or restoration. Projects should integrate the spirit and materials of the park and the ‘locus’ of Lake County.

The first public art venue in Lake County, EcoArts Sculpture Walk was founded in 2003 and featured work by 20-30 regional artists annually. MAC opened in the spring of 2015 to expand arts access and provide a year-round arts venue. That fall, the Valley Fire devastated 76,067 acres in the South Lake County area, including the park, Sculpture Walk and 1300 homes. Though the park was transformed, the Sculpture Walk reopened in 2019. The 2020 exhibit was stymied by COVID-19 but several works from the 2019 exhibit remain on view in the park.

“This 15th year of the Sculpture Walk our primary purpose remains supporting revitalization of the land, mending of damaged ecosystems, and inspiring a dialogue with nature both for artists and visitors”, said MAC Director, Lisa Kaplan. “Historically, most work was removed in November, at the beginning of winter, but strong work that contributes to ecosystem revitalization may be permitted to remain onsite.”

A visit to the park is encouraged to observe the changed and recovering environment. Trailside Park is open from dawn to dusk daily and located about 1.5 miles outside of Middletown off Hwy 175 at 21435 Dry Creek Cutoff. Additional samples and videos of work and the guide from the 2019 exhibit can be found at middletownartcenter.org/ecoarts .

Applications and concept sketches may be submitted anytime before April 12. Photos of work in progress or finished work are welcome. Applications can be found at middletownartcenter.org/ecoarts and should be submitted via email toartwork@middletownartcenter.org .