The New Canaan Land Trust has installed “Passages” as a preview of the New Canaan Sculpture Trail. This outdoor art exhibit was designed in partnership with the Carriage Barn Arts Center to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, April 22, and to connect residents and visitors to our natural surroundings.
Created by Norwalk-based artist Thomas S. Berntsen, “Passages” is a series of seven 8-foot-tall panels that meander along a path in the center of the Hannan-Eberstadt Preserve, located at the corner of Smith Ridge (Route 123) and Canoe Hill roads The panels are designed as individual portals of mirror, light and color. Each has its own distinct pattern, which was inspired by the 13th-century labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral in France.
” ‘Passages’ represents a series of sculptures that reflect, refract and extenuate their natural surroundings,” Berntsen said in a statement. “Composed of dichroic film, each frame reacts to minute changes in the environment in a myriad of ways, responding to small movements of angle and light. Each visit and each time of day will create a unique and memorable experience.”
In response to the town of New Canaan’s closure of all town parks, because of the coronavirus, the Land Trust temporarily closed public access to its preserves. However, “Passages” can be easily viewed from the road. Visitors who wish to park their vehicles are strongly advised to do so along Canoe Hill Road.
“It was important for us to install this signature piece as a hopeful reminder of better days ahead and to show the essential connection between art and nature,” Aaron Lefland, New Canaan Land Trust executive director, said in a statement. “We believe that ‘Passages’ will serve as an inspiration to the entire community in the weeks and months to come.”
The full New Canaan Sculpture Trail exhibition is scheduled to open in late spring or early summer and will include eight juried sculptures positioned at Land Trust preserves, New Canaan Town Hall and at the Carriage Barn courtyard at Waveny Park.
For more, visit newcanaanlandtrust.org.
– edited by Georgette Gouveia
