The idea was planted at a botanical garden in Phoenix, Ariz., but will blossom thousands of miles away at a 30-acre community-oriented farm in Cheat Lake.
During a visit to Desert Botanical Garden in the Grand Canyon State, Margaret Kitt, executive director of local nonprofit Human-Animal Bond, was fascinated by an artistic exhibit featuring American glass artist Dale Chihuly’s dazzling blown glass creations intertwined with the garden’s natural beauty. Inspired, Kitt thought the property of Human-Animal Bond’s Ridge Way Farm could be a similarly ideal canvas for an event highlighting artistic feats of local creatives.
Thus, Art at Ridge Way Farm, a celebration and exhibition of creative works of all kinds, will be 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday for its inaugural year.
Human-Animal Bond is Morgantown-based grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of both humans and animals through its various programs, including Hearts of Gold, a veteran-oriented service dog training program in tandem with WVU Davis College, and the numerous ways Ridge Way Farm acts as an educational and recreational space for the community.
Art at Ridge Way Farm invites the community to spend a day admiring art for sale by 24 local artists, including student artists. Platforming student artists is a special priority of Human-Animal Bond, as many WVU students volunteer for the organization and have assisted with the coordination of the event.
In addition to a range of musical artists performing throughout the day, creative vendors will include those showcasing pottery, photography, paintings, jewelry, fabric arts, wood carvings and more.
Hill & Hollow Free Range Kitchen & Catering’s mobile kitchen will be in attendance. There will also be a children’s craft tent, and representatives from WVU’s Ecology Club and Student Music Therapy Association. Finally, Human-Animal Bond’s own handiwork will be showcased with a service dog training demonstration.
“There’s two main goals: to make sure that we highlight local artists and musicians,” said Kitt. “Also, to get the community more familiar with the nonprofit, what we have available and how they can get involved.”
The event will be held outdoors on the farm’s wild and wonderful land, and silent auctions, raffles and Human-Animal Bond merchandise will fundraise for the nonprofit’s service dog program, upkeep of the farm and future projects. Some of the organization’s goals include expanding children’s activities at the farm, developing nature trails highlighting native flora and fauna, a horse therapy program and more.
For more information on Art at Ridge Way Farm, Human-Animal Bond and ways to support the organization, visit HumanimalBond.org.
