I-Park Open Trails Day

Photo: Isaac Dunne – every stone here sweating, sighing

I-Park – an international, multi-disciplinary artists’ colony set within a 450-acre nature preserve in East Haddam – will be participating in Connecticut Trails Day on June 6, hosting the first Open Trails event of their 25th anniversary season. The event will run from 9:30am-3:30pm. I-Park offers a particularly unique experience during this statewide celebration, blending an exploration of art as well as nature. Visitors will encounter a diverse range of art installations nestled along I-Park’s 25 open trails. The trails are varied in length and difficulty, though most are easy or moderate, featuring an array of forested areas, fields and meadows, ponds and streams – as well as interesting topographical features.

This is a free, family‑friendly event. Guests may wander at their will, or participate in varied activities for visitors of all ages throughout the day. Join in a crafting session or scavenger hunt in the pollinator garden from 9:30am-12:30pm, participate in a guided hike from 10am-12:30pm on some of I-Park’s lesser traveled paths (pre-registration requested), and enjoy a live music performance by “The Jolly Beggars” from 12:30-2:30pm. “The Jolly Beggars” bring the rich tradition of Celtic folk music and storytelling to modern day audiences. Bring along your picnic basket, join in a jig and kick back for this lively performance to close out the afternoon.

By participating in Connecticut Trails Day, I-Park aims to inspire individuals to appreciate the often symbiotic relationship between art and nature, and in hand with that, foster an understanding of the importance of preserving and protecting our precious natural resources.

Walk-in registration for Open Trails will be allowed, but advance reservations are recommended for a smooth check-in. A suggested donation of $10 per adult supports the ongoing maintenance of I‑Park’s trails and gardens.

Location: I-Park is a 501(c)3 public charity that awards 4-week onsite residencies to international and stateside artists in the visual arts, creative writing, music composition, moving image, architecture, interdisciplinary practice and landscape design disciplines. Since its founding in 2001, I-Park has sponsored over 1300 fully funded residencies.

I-Park opens its grounds to the public every year for special events, including Open Trails and live music, Open Studios- where the public may meet and engage with artists in residence, and for special events, including their annual Illuminations Benefit.

Click for more information or to make a donation.