Hike in the Woods
Hike in the Woods is inspired by the work of the Benzie County artist Dewey Blocksma, who will lead the installation of the project. Michigan Legacy Art Park will invite students, residents, and visitors to create 8-12” whimsical figures of people or birds and animals they might encounter when hiking in Michigan’s woods. Completed figurines will be installed together in a tapestry-like arrangement on a large length of netting near the Art Park’s entrance. The goal of the annual large-scale artworks is to give as many individuals, of all ages, from as many counties in Michigan as possible, a chance to contribute to the artwork.
Everything used to create the figures must stand up to the outdoor elements for two years. For that purpose, all the elements must be glued together with hot glue or permanent glue such as gorilla or super glue. It will be recommended that all participants use 8-12” “Y” shaped branches. Popsicle sticks (craft sticks) glued together with a hot glue gun to form figures of people or animals may also be used. The figures can be further constructed, enhanced or decorated with pipe cleaners, plastic straws, bottlecaps, sharpies, acrylic markers, acrylic paint, patterned or colored duct tape, beads, broken toy parts, shells, and other found objects.
3-D birds or animals can be created using 3-4” tree rounds or cookies. Nature figures can be painted on the inside or outside of tree bark with acrylic paint. Figures of people or animals can also be drawn with Sharpies, acrylic markers or crayons on 4x 6 inch pieces of balsa wood or on 1/8 inch thick pieces of plywood. Stencils can be used.
All the individual figures will be combined to create a large-scale sculpture on the accessibility trail at Michigan Legacy Art Park. It will be on display for two years. The figures will be suspended from fish netting using zip ties. They will be placed above a rope woven to the netting to suggest hiking trails There will also be outlines of people in rope along the artwork suggesting their shadows as they look at the piece. Staff will begin installing the artwork at Michigan Legacy Art Park in early May 2025 as figures are delivered to the Art Park. The figures will continue to be created throughout the summer at the Art Park and arts and crafts fairs and other locations. A Hike in the Woods will be on display starting in the spring of 2025 through the fall of 2026.
Education Enhancement
This project can be used to enhance the study of Michigan birds, animals, endangered species, habitat, forest environmental issues and fire safety while providing students with a different perspective. Art teachers can use this project to achieve some of their curriculum goals.
For more information or to express interest in participating contact:
Patricia Innis
Collaborative and Environmental Art Coordinator
