Art Exhibit Aims to Reconnect Man With Nature in Mercer County

The Tulpehaking Nature Center in Hamilton will open an art installation that challenges kids and adults alike to take a new look at nature on Friday.

“The Absorbed Landscape” is an exhibit that explores the human-earth connection.

With natural and manmade materials such as moss, tree bark, ceramic and paper, artist Joy Kreves creates three-dimensional collages and installations that depict the beauty of the Delaware River and local landscape.

Visitors will be able to create their own nature art to put up for display following inspiration from the exhibit in an adjoining room.

Kreves will be on hand to answer questions on June 7, 2 p.m.

Kreves created the artwork out of a concern that humans are becoming increasingly separated from the earth, with modern life and technology an easy source of distraction.

Some contemporary philosophers warn that this separation from nature puts our psychological and physical health at risk. “The Absorbed Landscape” is Kreves’ way of combating “nature deficit disorder” by returning the public’s attention to the textures, shapes and color of the world.

“This exhibit is about falling in love with the beauty of the natural world,” Kreves said.

“The Absorbed Landscape” is showing at the Tulpehaking Nature Center from May 15-Sept. 13.

During the exhibit, the nature center will be open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sundays from noon to 4 p.m.; and Mondays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Friends for the Abbott Marshlands will host an opening reception at the nature center on Friday, May 15, from 6p.m. to 8 p.m.

The Tulpehaking Nature Center provides programs and exhibits that encourage visitors to explore and discover the many cultural, historic and natural resources of the Abbott Marshlands. Located at 157 Westcott Ave. in Hamilton, the nature center is owned by the County of Mercer and operated by the Mercer County Park Commission. For more information about the nature center, programs and schedule of events, go to www.mercercountyparks.org.

The attached image was provided: Art exhibit presents a smorgasbord of nature with moss, twigs and handmade ceramics.