Sterling—It was nearly twelve-years ago that naturalist and then-director John Weeks conceived the concept of an Inspiration Festival at the Sterling Nature Center, celebrating the connection between art and nature. On Sunday, June 6, Weeks will be back to help celebrate the 12th annual Inspiration 2010: Festival of Arts and Nature from noon to 4:30 p.m. at the center’s Jensvold Road facility.
Over the years, music has played a central role in the festival, and this year the center is proud to welcome back folk artists Dan Duggan and Peggy Lynn. Duggan, acknowledged as one of the finest hammered dulcimer players and composers in the country, has numerous CDs including an appearance on Paul Simon’s Grammy nominated CD “You’re the One.†Lynn, singer, songwriter, Adirondack story-teller, and the author of Breaking Trail: Remarkable Women of the Adirondacks, brings an infectious enthusiasm and a mix of folk and blues to the stage.
Joining Duggan and Lynn, will be everyone’s favorite Virgil the Magician putting a little magic into nature. During his presentation two years ago, Virgil managed to induce a deer to appear in the meadow mid-act.
Poetry has been vital to the history of the festival, and this year the featured poet will be Georgia Popoff. Popoff, a faculty member of the Downtown Writing center, is the author of two volumes of poetry including The Doom Weaver. Joining Popoff, will be noted naturalist, artist, and author John Weeks, whose book Nature’s Quiet Conversations, chronicles the best of his long-running program, â€The Nature of Things.†This year’s Inspiration will also showcase some of the best local artists and photographers in the center exhibit as well as Elementary and Middle School Art Contest on Nature’s Incredible Flying Machines.
New this year is a Bar-B-Q lunch served under the lawn tents overlooking the lake. Inspiration 2010 will also have plenty for the kids, including a Children’s Tent, face painting, balloon art, clowns, a silent auction and a bake sale. And of course, there will be an abundance of nature. For more information contact the center at 947-6143.
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