For the fifth year, the Hopewell Valley Arts Council will anchor Pennington Day with an artful takeover on the Howe Commons lawn, at 65 South Main Street in Pennington, on Saturday, May 19, from 10am – 4pm.
This year, we’ll kick off a new initiative called Out of the Ashes to commemorate the devastating loss of the ash tree, one of the primary native trees in Hopewell Valley. A little, green, jewel-like beetle called the Emerald Ash Borer, threatens the entire North American Fraxinus (Ash) genus of ash trees, which can be found on private and public property and in forests and yards.
Due to the nature of the infestation, it’s difficult to determine which trees have already succumbed. As a result, many ash trees, some infected and some yet to be infected, are being taken down to ensure public safety. Hopewell Township is being proactive in the fight to protect our ash trees and has information on their website at www.haveyoursayhopewelltwp.org.
In the spirit of the HV Arts Council’s ongoing upcycling theme – making art out of trash and typically discarded items – Out of the Ashes will transform wood from this beautiful American tree into art through a diverse series of art programs, exhibits, and community events throughout 2018 and 2019.
Ash wood will abound at Pennington Day with opportunities to view and make art, watch live carving demonstrations, and learn about our year-long celebration as we emerge Out of the Ashes!