Seaside Labyrinths, Floating Worlds and More at Rye Rocks Earth Day This April

The Rye Arts Center is organizing this year’s Rye Rocks Earth Day, which emphasizes the “art” in Earth. A dozen local organizations will also take part in a day full of activities designed to promote awareness of and showcase the natural beauty found in Rye. The event will take place at various locations on Saturday, April 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  April 21 is the raindate. 

“I was inspired by a quote that says, ‘The earth without art is just eh.’  I believe that if we start to view the Earth and sustainability through the lens of nature’s beauty, we will begin to protect “Nature’s Art” — just as we would a piece of art hanging on a wall in our home,” said Helen Gates, Executive Director of the Rye Arts Center.

The day's activities feature arts and crafts, artist Tomoko Abe's "Floating World" exhibit, a seaside labyrinth and more. 

Rye Rocks Earth Day will promote the natural sites and sights in Rye and engage the community in exploring the natural beauty that Rye has to offer at each of the participating locations. All events are free and open to the public.

Here is the list of events as provided by the RAC:

Rye Rocks Earth Day 2013 Activities and Events

Rye Arts Center Gallery:  51 Milton Road

Nature’s Art: Geodes from the Collection of Robert R. Wiener

Come explore! Geologist’s talk and children’s workshop at 3:00 pm.  Learn about the relationship between art and science at this unique exhibit featuring more than 200 geodes from around the world.  These colorful geodes form the basis to understand how nature create and informs different forms of art.   Exhibit dates April 16- May 24, 2013.

Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary:              via Playland Parkway, follow access road behind Dragon Coaster, and park at Nature Center’s parking lot 

Come explore The Bamboo Forest: Mother Nature’s Maze.  This is a completely unique and natural environment for the whole community to enjoy. Children can hide-and-seek in the hidden “rooms” and play follow-the-leader along the twisting pathways.  Artists will enjoy the dramatic interplay of light streamers and dark shadows, open ceilings, and green cathedral arches.  It was introduced accidentally as an invasive species, however, it has redeeming qualities in providing shelter for many different animals.  Its natural beauty is so unusual and overwhelming that we have come to accept it and love it.  Once you experience it, you too will want to preserve and protect it!  Sponsored by the Friends of Read Wildlife Sanctuary.

Rye Free Reading Room:  1061 Boston Post Road

Events at 11:00 am

Earth Day Preschool Story Time & Craft for Children. Join us for some “Go Green” stories and then let’s go outside to plant some seeds to get your garden started. 

Along the Coast:  Lighthouses and Their Stories for Adults. Learn about the lighthouses guarding the East Coast, Hudson River, Long Island Sound, and the Great Lakes. 

Rye Nature Center: 873 Boston Post Road

The RNC will feature an Andrew Goldsworthy inspired sculpture created by children during a workshop conducted in conjunction with the Rye Arts Center and docents from its Famous Artists program.  Come take a look at this work of art composed of natural materials collected from the woods of the Rye Nature Center!

Rye Town Park:  Parking Entrance at Dearborn Ave in City of Rye

UKIYO- Floating World- An Exhibit of Sculptures by Tomoko Abe

Come view this unique exhibit in the pond (located by the gate, east side of the pond).  Reception with activities from 10 am to 2 pm.  See “Making of Floating World” on Youtube.  Exhibit Dates:  April 7-May 5. 

Rye YMCA:  21 Locust Avenue

Nature Crafts, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Stop by the Rye Y for arts and crafts that use natural materials or are nature themed. Children of all ages and their families are welcome.

Wainwright House – A Center for Spiritual Healing, Ecology and Retreats

260 Stuyvesant Avenue

Event from noon- 4:00 pm on Sat. and Sun., April 20-21

Walk the “Seaside Labyrinth”. Labyrinths differ from mazes in a very fundamental way. Mazes stimulate and engage the thinking, problem-solving mind. Labyrinths engage the heart, with no decisions about direction needing to be made. By simply yielding to and following the path, the mind grows and quiets. The voice of the heart can then be heard.

On the Village Green:  1061 Boston Post Road

• §Sustainable Rye: Will be providing information on green practices in general and promoting the greenscaping themes of healthy lawns, composting and Leave Leaves Alone (LLA).

• §Conservation Commission/Advisory Council:  Meet with members of the City’s Conservation Commission and find out why wetlands are so important.

• §Found the Time: 10:30-12:30. Rock and pop covers from the 70s through today in an acoustic style
• §Sal Casabianca: 1:00-3:00. Singer/songwriter/guitarist playing an eclectic blend of songs about love, life and just stuff 

Rye Rocks Earth Day 2013 participants include:

• §Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary         
• §The Rye Arts Center
• §Rye Free Reading Room
• §Rye Nature Center
• §Rye Town Park
• §Rye YMCA
• §The Rye Sustainability Committee
• §The Rye Conservation Commission/Advisory Council
• §Wainwright House