The open space at Abington Art Center will take center stage at the first Eco Art Fest, an event that celebrates the environmental focus of the Sculpture Park. Visitors will be able to experience the birds, trees and artwork found in the park first-hand through talks and tours with experts.

Partnering organizations include: Delaware Estuary Partners, Birding with Ruth, Morris Arboretum's Mark O'Brien, Pennypack Farms Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust, and Penn State's Cooperative Extension.

Visitors to Eco Art Fest can treat themselves to give-aways from Whole Foods Market and chair massages from Pierre & Carlo. Abington Art Center's Gallery Shop will have a Garden Marketplace with unique gift items for the nature lover and gardener. Native plants, birdseed and seasonal produce will be available for purchase and finally, visitors can sign-up for a chance to win a rain barrel.

"Art can reach across disciplines and help bridge the gap between art and life by raising awareness and appreciation of our natural resources," said curator Amy Lipton, "artworks can reflect our relationship with the larger, living eco-system."

The Center's gallery exhibitions and Sculpture Park often have an environmental focus and Eco Art Fest will include Sculpture Park Tours with curator Amy Lipton. On site that day will be sculpture park artists Chysanne Stathacos and Brandon Ballengée. Brandon will be actively working on his woodland sculpture-in-progress. Also gallery artist Stacy Levy will be giving an illustrated talk about how art can translate natural processes.

Eco Art Fest - Abington Art Center, will be held from 12 to 4pm RAIN or SHINE. An afternoon of art, environmental tours and workshops in Abington Art Center's Sculpture Park. FREE Admission; donations accepted. Wear walking shoes and dress for the weather.

Download the Eco Art Fest brochure or contact Heather Rutledge, Abington Art Center, 215-887-4882 x207 for more information.

9/29/2006