From reflective to exuberant, sacred to whimsical, the sculptures at the 19th annual Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit at Old Frog Pond in Harvard, MA cover a lot of ground, both figuratively and literally. Walking along the paths of “Around the Pond and Through the Woods,” one is treated to a variety of techniques, ideas, treatments, and personal time. The materials range from bronze, wood, fiber, mesh, metal, plexiglass to found materials. The delightful Pangolin Riding a Bike by Marin Murakoshi incorporates the treads of many tires.
There are poems or explanations accompanying some of the pieces that enhance the experience. As we stroll along, listening to the rustle of the leaves, the occasional gurgle or splash in the pond, we are also cloaked in the stillness and quiet of the setting. On a sunny day, the light dazzles on some pieces and backlights others. We wonder how the exhibit would look in the early morning or late afternoon. Each visit would bring new angles and views, evoke more feelings.
The wind sings a gentle tune as it moves through tall grasses and through the lilies adorning the pond. Farm owners Linda Hoffman and Blase Provitola see the opening of the exhibit as a time to “celebrate the intersection of art, agriculture and community.” And creativity is the centerpiece, with over 50 sculptures.
The flags waving in the wind are kinetic, causing movement in some of the pieces: Nick Swearer’s large dog’s energy is evident in Come Play and there is a balanced tension between Linda Hoffman’s Ox and Human farther into the woods. Some pieces are designed to be struck; a sign by Paul Matisse’s Olympic Bell invites us to make the gong shimmer and feel its vibration deep within for up to 15 minutes.
Some pieces can fit into the palm of your hand, while others burst forth and stretch toward the sky, bringing our sight up into the trees and beyond. Some are colorful, some monochromatic — so many ways to express thoughts, ideas and feelings, bringing us both out of ourselves and providing an opportunity to go inward, as discovery lies in both directions.
It is a thrill to wander the farm with the punctuation of this diverse and compelling display, inviting us to explore possibilities and rest in the assurance that there is always more to follow.
Farm owner, orchardist, and artist Linda Hoffman said the farm attracts many visitors from Acton, as well as participating artists such as Ted Castro, whose stone sculpture was on display last year. “We have Acton’s wonderful artist Yin Peet’s iconic [egg-shaped] sculpture prominently featured. In fact, we have to rehabilitate it every year to keep it looking fresh. And other exhibiting artists including Kevin Duffy and Marin Murakoshi are connected to Yin Peet’s YV Art Museum on Quarry Rd. in Acton.”
The Old Frog Pond exhibit is open from September 9th through October 13th, Tuesday through Sunday, from 11-4. For more information and group visits, visit oldfrogpondfarm.com.
Meg Stafford is an award winning author of two memoirs, speaker, storyteller and columnist. Her forty years as a licensed psychotherapist have provided invaluable insight into the quirks and passions of the human experience.