Location
The Location is City Park, on Picnic Island, just across from the Zoo and Ben’s Red Swings.
Rain or Shine
Rain or shine, the event will happen! The worse the weather, the better. We want to get kids outdoors to get fresh air and some exercise, even when it’s cold or wet out. The key is that no one is standing around; you are walking, moving, and exploring.
Haikus
There will also be haikus created by Poet Laureate of Salisbury Nancy Mitchell and students from local schools. The haikus will be displayed throughout Picnic Island for all to enjoy.
Weekly Art Installations
For three Saturdays in March, BUAGO will feature an artist supplemented by the work of a school from the county. The artist will go into schools to work with that school’s students to come up with artwork that supplements their installation. Come explore this wonderful outdoor art gallery.
BUAGO Week 1 – Susan Holt
March 4, 2023
Artist Statement
While researching for this project, I discovered the graphic symbols used by NASA for the planets in the solar system. Earth is represented by a circle for the globe and a cross for the meridian and equator lines. It is based on an ancient symbol. I adopted this symbol to link our appreciation for the natural world to the bigger picture, our planet.
Following the tenets for environmental art, we’ve been careful to use only natural materials that will not harm the environment as they biodegrade into the surroundings.
While you walk around our city park, take time to wander off the path. As you enjoy the natural beauty of the soft ground, tall trees, river and sky, look for the earth symbols hanging from tree branches. They will lead to five cite specific art installations. Find the burlap sign on the ground and stand where the lines cross. Nearby, there will be a circle made out of reeds and placed at the line of sight. Look through the circle and line it up with other elements in the background – such as trees and their reflections in the river, the shoreline, a row of white clam shells placed along the path on the other side of the river, etc. The lines from those elements will complete the symbol.
As you make these visual connections in the landscape, reconnect also with the bigger picture: our beautiful and troubled planet.
Susan Holt, with assistance from UMES students Torrence Coffin and Kysean Johnson and the Wicomico High School Art Club led by art teachers Jess Pavlekovich and Hyoe Choi
BUAGO Week 2 – Raye-Valion Gillette
‘Webbed’ by Raye–Valion Gillette
Artist statement:
In an age where we appear more connected than ever through technology, the core of true community is woven with connection in intention, hopes, dreams, and the sometimes messy business of being human.
I had the pleasure of working with the students from The Salisbury School’s Upper School art class. We began with the introduction of the One Word project; where you choose one specific word that will guide you as you make decisions, pursue your goals, and work to create the life you want to live. After each student chose their word, I worked with them in concepts of color theory and symbolism ~ how could they translate their word into an image? During the next class, we worked with needle felting, using locally sourced wool, to create individual panels to represent all of their beautiful words, coming to life in a rainbow of color, shape, and texture. I have woven these panels into a web of community where each person not only has their story to tell, but also as a representation of how each of us influences the other through endless connection.
BUAGO Week 3 – Nadine Brittingham
The term “vortex” refers to a place where the earth energy swirls and draws to its center everything that surrounds it. Places like the Sedona Vortexes are considered magical sites; trees often exhibit swirling or twisting of their trunks due to the powerful energy. These sites are believed to be special spots on the earth where many come to reflect in this energy.
In this installation, we will begin with removal of vines and overgrowth in our community, as well as through foraging to gain the bulk of our supplies. By then weaving willow, vines or other saplings to create shape and form to reinvent the feeling of twirling Vortexes, we will create a giant twirling interpretation of these energies. To create an immersive experience with this installation, I plan to include oversized interpretations of nature made with all organic materials. I hope to bring a sense of warmth and create a space of whimsy and mystery for all to enjoy.
Nadine Brittingham, with assistance from Ms. Kelly and Mrs. Littleton’s eighth grade ACE students at Bennett Middle School.
Contact Organizer: Dan O’Hare ([email protected])