Walking in the woods at Northland Arboretum has never been like this.
The "Art Walk at the Arb" is the first collaboration between The Crossing Arts Alliance and Northland Arboretum in Brainerd. The fundraiser will take place from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, and feature nature-inspired art stations, artworks and artists creating art, and more.
"We've been wanting to partner with the arboretum, so this was something that kind of brought out the best of both groups. The arb has the lovely location, and we have the arts, so it was kind of cool to combine the two," Executive and Artistic Director Lisa Jordan said.
Children, adults and "well-behaved dogs" are invited to join Saturday's fundraiser for the two groups that organizers say will "inspire, educate and entertain."
The Crossing Arts Alliance's mission is "to act as a gateway to the arts through access, education, and experiences." The nonprofit is located at 711 Laurel St. in Brainerd.
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"We wanted to have more partnerships with other area organizations, and the arb always seemed like a natural fit," she said with no pun intended.
"A lot of artists are really inspired by nature, but not everybody gets to do their art out in nature, so this is a kind of fun thing for the artists to participate in as well."
The event will also include a wine garden, face-painting and caricatures, food trucks and local food vendors, and live music at Northland Arboretum, which includes 12 miles of trails.
"We make art activities accessible to people. We provide education and experiences," Jordan said of The Crossing Arts Alliance.
"People probably know us for a monthly kids art class that's really well attended, we do School of Rock, we do different art exhibits and really try to make sure that the arts scene is really healthy in the Brainerd lakes area."
In case of rain, demonstrations from potters, carvers and painters, for example, and interactive tables will move indoors, but participants can bring an umbrella and enjoy the art installations on the trail, according to Jordan.
"Providing the weather cooperates, it's going to be a beautiful walk," Jordan said. "And people can try their hand at making nature mandalas to trying their hand at weaving. ... It'll be a lot of fun."
If you go
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● What: "Art Walk at the Arb" fundraiser for Northland Arboretum, The Crossing Arts Alliance.
● When: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29.
● Where: Northland Arboretum, 14250 Conservation Drive, Brainerd.
● Cost: Tickets are $5 in advance, $10 at the gate for ages 16 and up; free for children 15 and under. Tickets are available at The Northland Arboretum, The Crossing Arts Alliance, Raboin & Francis Law Firm and Lemieux Wealth Strategies.
● More info: 218-833-0416 or info@crossingarts.org .
