The idea was born in a botanical garden in Phoenix, Arizona, but will blossom thousands of miles away on a 30-acre community-oriented farm in Cheat Lake.
While visiting the Desert Botanical Garden in the Grand Canyon State, Margaret Kitt, executive director of local nonprofit Human-Animal Bond, was captivated by an art exhibit that fused American glass artist Dale Chihuly’s stunning blown glass creations with the natural beauty of the garden. Inspired, Kitt thought that Human-Animal Bond’s Ridge Way Farm property could be an equally ideal canvas for an event highlighting the artistic achievements of local artists.
Therefore, in its first year, “Art at Ridge Way Farm,” a celebration and exhibition of creative works of all kinds, will take place on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Human-Animal Bond is a Morgantown-based grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of people and animals through a variety of programs, including Hearts of Gold, a veteran-focused service dog training program in partnership with WVU Davis College, and the numerous ways Ridge Way Farm serves as an educational and recreational space for the community.
Art at Ridge Way Farm invites the community to spend a day enjoying artwork by 24 local artists, including students. Promoting student artists is a particular priority of Human-Animal Bond, as many WVU students volunteer for the organization and helped coordinate the event.
In addition to performances by various musicians throughout the day, there will also be creative vendors offering pottery, photography, paintings, jewelry, textile art, wood carvings and more.
Hill & Hollow Free Range Kitchen & Catering’s mobile kitchen will be on site. There will also be a craft tent for children and representatives from WVU’s Ecology Club and Student Music Therapy Association. Finally, Human-Animal Bonds will showcase their own crafts in a service dog training demonstration.
“There are two main goals: We want to make sure we’re highlighting local artists and musicians,” Kitt said. “We also want to make the community more familiar with the nonprofit, explain what it offers and how they can get involved.”
The event is held outdoors on the farm’s wild and beautiful land, and silent auctions, raffles and Human-Animal Bond items are used to raise funds for the nonprofit’s service dog program, farm maintenance and future projects. The organization’s goals include expanding children’s activities on the farm, developing nature trails that highlight native flora and fauna, an equine therapy program and more.
For more information about Art at Ridge Way Farm, Human-Animal Bond, and ways to support the organization, visit HumanimalBond.org.
