Harmony, New Harmony
Sweet thoughts occur after a recent trip to America’s prettiest art town to pick up artwork from New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art. It marked the end of an era, and got me reminiscing about that period and how much the town has meant to me as an artist.
Cathedral Labyrinth and Sacred Garden with the Atheneum in the background
As I again walked the Labyrinth, I gained insight in the center, “Lessons from your journey will come in the writing, it’s wisdom in the sharing.” Walking out, I had a sense of openness about the next era. Something about seeing the millions of fireflies near the Wabash again. Capers. Old friends lost long ago, new friends sought and found.
From there to here, what can I share…travel, rooting, longing…use your words…green growing going forward.
Cathedral Labyrinth and Sacred Garden entrance
Harmony then
On our move from Colorado to Kentucky in 1999 we needed a car break. Greg wanted me to experience New Harmony, Indiana, a perfect rest, to walk on the Cathedral Labyrinth. That’s where I met Jane Owen, and she gave me a lovely smooth black stone from the Sacred Garden surrounding it. Only, I didn’t know who or how grand a person she was until later.
She was a bonafide benefactor of the arts community and to the artists she supported. It’s a tiny town, everywhere one walks, nature is cherished through tending and additions of commissioned sculptures, fountains, trails, gardens, museums, a church, conference center, hotel and restaurant.
Jane Owen brings Warhol’s “Silver Clouds” to New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art, 2007
A few years later on our next trip there we met the lovely Lena Feiner, who just opened her life’s dream, Women’s Institute and Gallery. She hosted exhibits by women and weekly book meetings until her death last year. How I miss her gentle and supportive presence in my life. It’s rare for an artist’s work to be truly understood, cherished and collected. In 2005 she hosted the first in the traveling exhibit 4 Seasons – 4 Directions.
Lena Feiner and KO’B at 4 Seasons- 4 Directions Exhibit 2005
Lena Feiner’s Women’s Institute and Gallery sign, 4 Seasons- 4 Directions Exhibit 2005
Lena Feiner and KO’B at 5th Anniversary in Poetics Exhibit 2006, group invitational show
I was honored and thrilled when Mrs. Owen asked if I would help her hang “Fig Leaf” (in one of her guest homes) which she had just purchased from Women’s Institute and Gallery.
Jane Owen with “Fig Leaf”, by Kathleen O’Brien
Harmony now
So this journey was nostalgic, yet a rejuvenation of the soul. Experiencing the artifacts and spirit of the land validated the healing power of art, and the intentions and actions of art and nature lovers.
Once again we stayed at down-home Old Rooming House. In an overcast, very cool afternoon we strolled through parks and gardens.
Old Rooming House
Old Rooming House
Old Rooming House room
Carol’s memorial garden
Jane Blaffer Owen, bench and her hat sculpture in Carol’s memorial garden
Jane Blaffer Owen, her hat sculpture in Carol’s memorial garden
Yes, Jane Blaffer Owen
Entrance to the Church Park with Don Gummer Sculpture
Church Park
The next morning was brillliant and very cool. We started on our walkabout right away.
in the alley
entrance to the Roofless Church
entrance to Tillich Park trail
Greg, like a tree with Bell on Tillich Park trail
Tillich Park pond
Tillich Park pond, waterfall, inspiration, giant chair sculpture, Monet bridge (zoom in)
Tillich Park pond, Monet bridge
Tillich Park pond, Monet bridge
Tillich Park pond, Peace Poll
Lyre Fountain of the Cathedral Labyrinth and Sacred Garden
Lyre Fountain of the Cathedral Labyrinth and Sacred Garden
Cathedral Labyrinth and Sacred Garden with the Atheneum in the background
snagged cottonwood seeds from the Tree City, and fun Capers bag the glasses were wrapped in
Colored Glasses from Capers
Squirrel interest at cafe lunch
Bel debriefing, getting aromatherapy on his thyme bed near Jane Owen’s black stone
Harmony now and then
Guidance says to find the calm centering experience of New Harmony at any time within myself. It sure helps to be able to gaze at stunning green, fountain sound, crisp cool air bracing me awake to the possibility of creating a peaceful (not utopian) destination in the middle of middle America. Just the still calmness of a vortex center.
New Harmony influenced me to consecrate our land with vision, intent and commitment. Build it up with respect and in concert with nature. Accentuate it with art. Expand the artistic facets of the land – sculpture (super collider conductor, gargoyles for example), music. Of course, Greg is the master landscape designer and mason creating benches, walls and standing stones.
Then encourage people to experience it. This is what we’ve been doing ever since!