Art on the Trail... from Peak to Prosperity

Looking for something unusual to do next Saturday? How about something that combines art, history, and nature? Well I think I have just the recommendation for you!  PocketProductions is hosting an interactive environmental arts workshop followed by the opening of a unique art installation along the banks of the Broad River.

In case you haven’t heard of Pocket Productions, they are an interesting group of
artists and performers who have been pushing the envelope by presenting
impromptu bursts of arts in the Midlands with programs like ArtRageous as well
as their Play After Dark series. Led by the talented Sherry Warren, the group
has worked with a number of arts organizations throughout the region, including
my beloved Columbia Music Festival Association, the Columbia Museum of Art, and the SC Philharmonic.

This time they have teamed up with the Palmetto Conservation Foundation,
an organization committed to conserving natural and cultural resource, protecting
historic landmarks and promoting outdoor recreation, to hold a
number of events next Saturday, May 26 along the Alston Trailhead of the
Palmetto Trail, near the Town of Peak.

The day opens with an environmental arts workshop from 2 – 5 pm, featuring Cherokee story teller and historian Dr. Will Goins and noted environmental artist Brian Rust. Goins will share an overview of Native American history and art in the area while Rust will lead a hands-on workshop on creating art from natural materials. The workshop is free and open to both children and adults.

Then, they will have the official opening of their Art on the Trail exhibit, Peak to Prosperity, at 5:30 pm. This exhibit features a series of environmental art installations created by artists working with natural materials found along the Palmetto Trail. In addition to the art exhibition, there will be a delicious buffet
dinner served beside the beautiful trestle bridge over the Broad River as well
as live music and guided tours by the artists who will share their inspirations
for their work. 

According to Sherry, reservations are required for the opening dinner event, and tickets are $25 for individuals or $45 for couples.  You can make your reservations online by visiting www.pocketproductions.org/artonthetrail
or calling the Palmetto Conservation Foundation at 803-771-0870. Of course I would be remiss if I didn’t help her thank their generous sponsors for Art on the Trail -- our friends at the Greater Chapin Community Endowment,  Aflac, and SCE&G.

So if you’re looking for something a little different and fun, I hope you will give Art on the Trail a try!