From cherished annual traditions to exciting new developments, 2023 was a memorable year for the Karl Stirner Arts Trail. As we look forward to what the new year has in store, let’s review 10 highlights of the year gone by.
New Interactive Map
The new year brought a major enhancement to the trail-visiting experience. An interactive map provides information on trail artworks, points of interest, parking areas, and nearby galleries and museums.
Talks on the Trail
Whether it was through one of three Lafayette College professors, one of two experts brought in through a partnership with the Nurture Nature Center, or our own Jim Toia, there were many opportunities to learn about nature, science, and art while enjoying the trail. Pictured on the far left above is Prof. Dave Sunderlin, who discussed the geology of Easton and beyond during a Walk with the Profs event.
Walk for the Missing and Stolen
Participants raised awareness of lost and stolen Indigenous women and children through a walk on and near KSAT, then added to the Red Sand Project by filling in more pavement cracks with red sand.
Paw Paw Planting
A fruit grove was planted near the Musical Chimes installation and dog park. Arborist Philip Chung gave a talk on how you can grow and care for paw paws and other indigenous Pennsylvania fruits.
Painting Invitation, Exhibit, and Reception
Artists were invited to celebrate the KSAT and Easton’s parks by painting plein air (outdoor) scenes of them in person. Sponsor Vasari Classic Artists’ Oil Colors provided free paint and hosted a reception and exhibition. Above is an image of a work by Tricia Lowrey Lippert.
Winter Solstice Walk
A record turnout of 60 people enjoyed hot chocolate, cookies, and children’s stories in Thrive at the Silk complex before a candlelit walk onto the Karl Stirner Arts Trail for music and poetry to celebrate the Winter Solstice.
Artist in Residence
Nestor Gil, associate professor of art at Lafayette College, organized and led LaJiraGira, a community picnic that featured a walk along the trail, fun with a piñata, live music, and food provided by a local restaurant. He also took photos of participants’ blankets during the picnic and made prints from them.
Young Masters Wall
Over the summer, several groups of Easton children unleashed their creativity and imagination through original paintings on the Young Masters Wall. These experiences were such a success that the same local groups have signed on to return next year.
Successful Fundraising Campaign
Our generous supporters donated a total of $32,278.05 in our year-end fundraising drive, meeting our $30,000 goal.
Artful Dash 5K Run/Walk
158 people finished the Sixth Annual Artful Dash 5K Run/Walk, which raised $8,000, the most in the race’s history.
We hope you enjoyed this rundown of the Karl Stirner Arts Trail’s top ten highlights of 2023. Subscribe to our email list and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn to stay updated on the good things happening in 2024.
