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'Chalice and Blade' by Easthampton artist Eileen Jager is one of 28 sculptures on display at this year's Art in the Orchard sculpture exhibition.
(Facebook.com)
EASTHAMPTON -- Art in the Orchard, a biennial sculpture exhibition at the Park Hill Orchard, features 28 three-dimensional outdoor works this year, with festival activities planned on the weekends heading into Halloween.
An opening reception is planned for Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m.
The outdoor sculpture walk got its start in 2011 when Jean-Pierre Pasche, an Easthampton gallery owner, joined forces with orchard owners Alane Hartley and Russell Braen. Since then, the project has grown, with support from volunteers, the business community, and the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
Pasche said Wednesday that visitors to "AiO 2015" will be in for a treat:
"The 2015 selection is refreshing, very different than previous editions. The twenty-eight works of art have been placed along an extended path that will allow visitors to be constantly entertained, challenged, and looking for more discovery. The grounds are as manicured as a working orchard will ever be, the peaches and apples are deliciously ripening."
Pasche, who has been documenting the installation process in a series of Facebook posts, is encouraging people to bring their friends and family to the orchard this season.
"Art In the Orchard is truly a destination place, where one can bring visitors from away, to experience the fruits of Western Massachusetts and the Pioneer Valley," said Pasche.
Park Hill Orchard is located at 82 Park Hill Road in Easthampton.
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Mary Serreze can be reached at mserreze@gmail.com.