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Come out of the cold and hunt for art on NK trails! The North Kingstown Arts Council is bringing back its ArtVenture project. Last produced in 2015, ArtVenture combines the beauty of the natural world with 20 locally created artworks -- ceramics, paintings, sculpture, glass, photographs -- hidden on eight NK hiking trails from May 8-23.
Finders keepers! Some larger or less waterproof pieces are hidden as photos in waterproof containers. Follow the instructions inside to redeem the photo for the actual artwork. You can find a list of all the artists and links to their work here.
Held in conjunction with ReDiscoverNK and Take It Outside, North Kingstown, ArtVenture is "the perfect way to come out of the long COVID winter," says Nancy Sherman, NK Arts Council President (and NK Democratic Committee member).
*Besides the art-to-keep hidden on the trails, there will be 3 interactive webs by Julie Kennedy: actual webs (not www's!) at the King/Benson Preserve, Calf Pasture Point, and Academy Cove. Passers-by are invited to contribute messages and decorations with materials provided.
The Trails:
1.) Bush Hill Nature Reserve – access on West Main St. by the Kitchen Outlet Store. It is part of the Wickford Village walk. www.WickfordVillage.org
2.) Cornelius Island – across from the end of Pleasant St. Boat access only. Art will be hidden around the perimeter as there are plenty of deer ticks inland.
3.) Calf Pasture Point and Bike Trails* – Park at 325 Marine Rd., Davisville. Art will be hidden along the bike trails and around Calf Pasture Point. The entire trail is 4 miles. The bike trail portion ~ 2miles is handicapped accessible. https://www.northkingstown.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Calf-Pasture-Point-Beach-17
4.) King Preserve* – 2203 Boston Neck Road, Saunderstown (just north of Casey Farm). This is a 3.2 m trail on Nature Conservancy property. The site of a former Girl Scout camp, the 161-acre property has hiking trails and leads to a small beach by Narrow River. (The Benson Preserve also leads to this beach. Parking is limited.)
5.) Benson Preserve* – This is Narrow River Land Trust property which abuts the King Preserve and also leads to the beach on the Narrow River. It’s about a 1.7 m walk to the beach and back. There is limited parking on Snuff Mill Road.
6.) Academy Cove* – behind NK Library, nestled between Phillips and West Main Sts. Name refers to its location near Washington Academy, founded in the early 1800’s and eventually known as Wickford Elementary School. At Lyons’ Memorial Park in back of the library, sit on a comfortable bench while viewing lovely homes, yards, and perhaps an egret or two. You can also kayak into the Cove by paddling under the bridge on Brown Street. While there, check out the Library's rain garden and accompanying information poster.
7.) Blue Beach – a true gem at the southwest tip of Quonset! A walk down a treelined path leads to a beach with beautiful views of the Jamestown Bridge and Narragansett Bay. Follow signs from Circuit Drive. (Ample parking and porta-potties!)
8.) Smith’s Castle (weekends only) – 55 Richard Smith Dr. There are some exceptional, short trails west of The Castle. Art will be hidden on Saturdays and Sundays.
* = Interactive web: Hikers are invited to add to the web or use the provided art materials to make their own art. Journaling is also encouraged.
