EAST HADDAM -- On Saturday, Aug. 9, I-Park, the artists-in-residence program nestled in the woods, invites the public to engage with international artists, wander over the expansive system of trails with environmental art installations and enjoy live music.
I-Park's Open Trails & Music event takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Visitors will receive a trail map of more than 40 environmental art installations integrated into I-Park's meadows, woodlands and waterways.
Most trails are gentle and well-marked, allowing for a relaxed, self-paced visit that can last as little as 45 minutes or stretch into several hours. Guests are welcome to bring a picnic basket and unplug in the natural haven.
The Midnight Anthem will take the stage from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Known for its soulful sound and genre-blending style, the trio music mixes country, folk, rock, punk, and Americana into a performance that resonates across generations.
Local Honey Acoustic - described as a slightly sweeter spin on the River Valley's beloved Local Honey Project - will play from 1:30 to 3:30 pm. The duo of Erin Smith and Abe Wilson features acoustic guitar, harmonies and hand percussion.
The family-friendly outdoor event will also include a nature-themed scavenger hunt and an interactive drawing table for children and adults alike.
Advance reservations are recommended, though walk-ins may register at the Welcome Table upon arrival. A $10 per adult is suggested.
Meet the Artists:
Jonathan Newman is a talented composer blending classical forms with pop, blues and jazz influences. His dynamic compositions are performed by orchestras and ensembles from around the world. His works are renowned for their emotional accessibility and rhythmic energy.
Sophia Sobers is a visual artist integrating sound and public art in urban and natural spaces. Her practice investigates the intersection of technology and nature, creating immersive environments that invite quiet contemplation.
Emily Gui is an interdisciplinary artist focused on climate, consumerism and ethical tension. Her work spans printmaking, installation and sculpture - often using salvaged materials to underscore the complexities of environmental responsibility.
Alice Miceli is a Brazilian photographer examining landscapes shaped by trauma and environmental degradation. She is internationally recognized for long-term projects that employ experimental photographic techniques to visualize the invisible aftermath of conflict and catastrophe.
Lilliam Rivera is an award-winning author of nine books spanning young adult, middle grade and graphic fiction. Rivera's stories often center on Latinx identity, girlhood and resilience - and she is celebrated for her ability to blend speculative fiction with deeply grounded emotional truth.
Steven Pestana is a conceptual artist creating immersive environments that challenge perception. His work combines sculpture, performance and digital media to explore themes of uncertainty, belief, and the limits of understanding.
I-Park's community engagement initiatives this year are supported by grants from the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation and the Community Foundation of Middlesex County.