Source: Pioneer News
Monday, August 13, 2018
CLERMONT—The best of local nature, art and science have combined for the past 10 years to create an epic experience at Bullitt County’s largest facility and this year is no exception.
On Saturday, Aug. 18, Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest’s CONNECT will let visitors experience what only few get to see: Bernheim at night.
Beginning two hours before sunset and lasting two hours after, CONNECT gives two different experiences depending on the time, Visual Arts Coordinator Jenny Zeller said.
The event begins at 6:31 p.m. and ends at 10:31 p.m.
“It’s really an unique event because it doesn’t have a strict format every year,” Communications and Marketing Manager Amy Landon said. “It’s just a celebration of the collision of art, science and nature around Lake Nevin at night.”
Artists arrive with participatory art like drum circles, light displays and water cannons.
“It’s just something fun and funky to get various community artists to come in and participate,” Landon said.
Though the event tends to draw more adults than the typical Bernheim events, families and children are still welcome and will be greeted with plenty of activities for all ages.
As darkness falls, artists get creative in keeping the lake lit, using bioluminescent paints, solar lighting, hot air balloons and fire throwers.
The Astronomical Society will be available with telescopes to view the night skies.
Sure to turn heads this year are living statues made of grass grown in the Bernheim greenhouses. Sponsored by the Imagine Greater Louisville 2020 grant that is made possible by the Jennifer Lawrence Arts Fund at the Fund for the Arts in partnership with the Fund for the Arts, the Grass Men are brought to life by British artist Ashley Peevor.
Those not opposed to getting a little dirty can enjoy the Mud Play Zone, a massive mud pit appropriate for children of all ages. While a hose will be on site to help clean up after the fun, it is recommended to bring a change of clothes.
For a cleaner kind of pit, a Bubble Zone will also be available to enjoy.
Local band Murder by Death will lend members Adam Turla and Sarah Balliet for an energetic and unique performance highlighting Balliet’s cello skills and Turla’s lead vocals and guitar.
Louisville’s own Juanita will perform music inspired by their love of 60s garage bands.
Live music and fresh food combine when Bill “The Sauce Boss” Wharton takes the stage with his Creole-inspired performance the includes making fresh gumbo using produce from Bernheim’s edible garden to feed the crowd at the end of the show.
If waiting until the end of the concert seems too difficult, multiple food trucks are expected to set up including Fresh Out the Box, Junior’s Firehouse BBQ, Kona Ice and Louisville Dessert Truck.
For the adults, regional craft beer will be available by the Mile Wide Beer Company. Bernheim’s neighbor, Forest Edge Winery, will have local wine.
The Forest Lounge will be open to Giving Circle members and will feature a full bar as well as food from Isaac’s Café, sponsored by Beam Suntory.
Entrance to CONNECT is $5 per person. Children 2 and under are free. For questions, visit bernheim.org/connect2018.