Nature’s Spirit, Alive

‘I have been embedding myself in the forest for the past three years. Mainly I’ve been attempting to become a birch tree,” writes Madeline Schwartzman in an artist statement accompanying a new exhibition at The Re Institute, the 1960s hayloft barn-turned-gallery space of sculptor Henry Klimowicz in Millerton, N.Y. At the opening of “Face Nature: Experiments in Trees,” Schwartzman came as close to her goal as artistically feasible. It’s not often that crowds in Dutchess County are treated to performance art, few attendees seeming to suspect that one of the great guardians of White Birch that Schwartzman had lined up in the loft — Oz-like Tin Men in hunking wooden armor — would come to life. In a suit of birch bark that encased her entire form, with a long, trunk-like helmet that rose above the height of those left surprised and bewildered, phones in hand photographing the performance, Schwartzman lumbered — for lack of a better word — around the space, a crude, mythology spirit of nature’s ancient voice. Was it’s intention gentle, or vengeful for our wrongdoings to the forest? The trees did not speak.

Photo by Alexander Wilburn

Photo by Alexander Wilburn

Photo by Alexander Wilburn

Latest News

Pirates go back-to-back as league champs

The Canaan Pirates pose as champions after defending the Northwest Connecticut District 6 Majors Little League title.

Photo by Riley Klein

THOMASTON The Canaan Pirates are champions once more.

In the Northwest Connecticut District 6 Majors Little League title game Friday, June 13, the Pirates defeated Thomaston JRC Transportation by a score of 6-2.

Keep ReadingShow less
Red Sox end season with comeback win

NORTH CANAAN — The Canaan Red Sox ended the season with a thrilling 14-13 win over the Tri-Town Phillies Thursday, June 12.

Canaan trailed for most of the game but kept it close. Ultimately, the Red Sox secured the victory with a final-inning comeback in front of the home crowd at Steve Blass Field.

Keep ReadingShow less
State Rep. Horn injured in running accident

State Rep. Maria Horn (D-64) was treated for her injuries at Sharon Hospital.

Photo by John Coston

The day after concluding what has been described as a grueling legislative session, State Rep. Maria Horn (D-64) had a running accident, leaving her with a broken pelvis and collarbone among other more minor bruises and abrasions. Despite the injuries, she is in good spirits and recuperating at home, eager to get back on her feet.

Horn said after spending weeks in the assembly hall, she was eager to get some outdoor exercise in, but perhaps pushed a little too hard too soon. She said she was excited to get a run in on the morning of Friday, June 6, but was still exhausted from her time in Hartford and in the final stretch of recovering from a meniscus repair surgery in December.

Keep ReadingShow less
Walk-off win sends Pirates to championship

Milo Ellison sends a fly ball to left field, bringing home Brody Ohler and Sam Hahn in a walk-off win for the Canaan Pirates June 11.

Photo by Riley Klein

NORTH CANAAN — The Canaan Pirates advanced to the league championship after a comeback victory over the Tri-Town Red Sox Wednesday, June 11.

Down 3-2 with two outs and two on in the bottom of the 6th inning, "Mighty" Milo Ellison stepped up to the plate and launched a fly ball deep to left field. The single brought home Brody Ohler and Sam Hahn for a walk-off Pirates win.

Keep ReadingShow less