Art Ramble is an annual, temporary public art exhibition in the Hapgood Wright Town Forest in Concord, MA, a collaboration of The Umbrella Art Center and Concord’s Division of Natural Resources (CDNR). Following Leave No Trace principles, regional artists create site-specific artworks promoting appreciation of nature, installed along Fairyland Pond and parts of the historic Emerson-Thoreau Amble connecting Concord Center to Walden Pond. On view September 1- November 19, 2023, with Artist Reception & Walkabout Saturday September 9 at 11AM (Rain Date: Sunday, September 10 at 11AM).

The theme of this year’s exhibition is “Geo-Metric” – literally meaning Earth measurement. While traditionally, basic geometry relies on axioms used to measure fixed shapes and construct solid objects that will stand the test of time, “Geo-Metric” here refers to the ability to measure change. Our planet is constantly in motion and changes with exposure to light, temperature, weather, human intervention and climate change. The season visibly changes from summer to fall over the run of the Art Ramble, but what are the changes and patterns (geometric or otherwise) that we do not see? How can we make visible the patterns of nature and their disruption — raising awareness of the threats to our environment as well as nature’s keen ability to adapt and survive?

This year’s Art Ramble includes interactive installations as well as quiet, contemplative sculptures. Several will change over the course of the exhibition as they interact with nature, visitors, and the seasons. Be sure to visit The Umbrella’s front lawn to see one additional “Geo-Metric” sculpture.