Welcome to Emerald Grove

Interactive art installation completed at Artpark

Press release

Artpark invites all art and nature lovers, families, and dreamers to the newest park addition opening this weekend. On Sunday, July 1 (2 until 5 p.m.), Artpark and local artist Jesse Walp will introduce "Emerald Grove," a whimsical interactive art installation geared toward children and nature lovers.

The installation consists of many different elements designed to represent topographic features and history of the Artpark grounds. Interactive elements include bridges, windmills, sculptural seating, an earth mound, a sundial, and large, pod-like huts, which stand 15 feet tall.

The installation is located in the picnic grove next to Scott Burton's "A Picnic Table and Four Benches" (1983) concrete installation in between the lower park information center and the Artpark Gallery.

"In siting this project, I became enamored with the landscape at Artpark," Jesse Walp said about the vision for his creation. "The beautiful hills, gullies, cliffs and river left me with a sense of awe that I would like to share with the park's visitors. Therefore, my goal for this installation is to encourage awareness of the landscape as well as the natural elements involved in forming it, and at the same time to create a place that invites wonder and exploration."

Artpark and Walp would like to thank A-1 Land Care and International Stone Gallery, and Dena Armstrong (Artpark board of directors) for their support of this project.

All are welcome to visit Emerald Grove during park hours (dawn to dusk). Admission is free. Parking fees may apply if there is an Artpark event/concert taking place.

For more information, visit www.artpark.net.