Arts in Nature

Landscape + Art + Nature + Design

L+A+N+D Request for Proposals is currently open with a deadline of 11:59 PM, March 24, 2025, EDT

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2025 Request For Proposals

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2025 Budget Template

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Program Overview & FAQs

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Please read through our FAQs for any additional questions. For more information about the program, get in touch with us at landart@bernheim.org

An Experience of Discovery

L+A+N+D (Landscape + Art + Nature + Design), is an exciting, new arts initiative that annually celebrates innovative design concepts for immersive outdoor installations on a grand scale that spark imaginations, conversations, and a deeper appreciation of the natural world.

 

The first year of L+A+N+D features ten thought-provoking installations that address humans’ connection to nature, beauty in landscape, biodiversity, conservation, sustainability, and climate change. Designed and built by creatives from around the globe, these large-scale experiences are placed along new trails meandering through the open expanses and wild woods in Ten Toms Loop and Magruder Meadow.

 

This innovative program will be built over time, with additional experiences added annually and other, more ephemeral works rotating out over time.

Featured Works

Chrysalis by Nikki Pike

Inspired by the artist’s childhood, Chrysalis evokes wonder and awe. This bark-covered geometric form invites reflection on our connection to nature and the value of our resources. Covered in tulip poplar and ash bark, it honors Kentucky’s state tree while highlighting the devastation caused by emerald ash borers.

The Bernheim Burl by Stuart Frost

The large oak burl that was once displayed near the Sensory Garden has been transformed into a captivating carving of English ivy’s distinctive leaf pattern, highlighting nature’s beauty and drawing attention to invasive species in the forest.

Sylvan Sycamore by Stuart Frost

A compromised Sycamore with thousands of holes drilled into the trunk creates a series of Fibonacci spirals, echoing patterns found in nature and serving as a poignant reflection of the resilience of ecosystems.

Becoming Nutrient by Nicole Banowetz

Becoming Nutrient by Nicole Banowetz

Expressive inflatable art illustrates the symbiotic relationship of fungus and fallen logs in helping to create the ideal habitat for the forest floor.

BIOS by Radix Lucis

A biologic installation functioning as an artificial ecosystem, designed around the specific conditions of Bernheim and the L+A+N+D site, allowing the growth and development of multiple native species in the long term. This experience is designed to support the emergence of biodiversity as a response to climate change.

Within the Forest: Without the Forest by DOMM

A vibrant installation introducing a courtyard within the L+A+N+D site. Orange geotextile fabric wraps around three trees, forming a tall, triangular, open-air enclosure. This floating pavilion creates an immersive spatial dimension, intrinsically tied to the selected trees.

Walks in the Fictional Woods by Merve Tiryaki

An enchanting circular pavilion with a kinetic bamboo façade, inspired by Umberto Eco’s Six Walks in the Fictional Woods. Comprising three intertwined circles with gates in three directions, it invites visitors to experience its rhythmic, relaxing sounds as the bamboo canes vibrate in the rain or wind.

Bloom, Wither, Repeat by Jonathan Pellitteri

Inspired by the flourish of life that follows a summer rain, this kinetic sculpture highlights this phenomenon and speaks to the regenerative nature of the landscape.

H2OH! BY STUDIO MAYO ARCHITECTS

H2Oh!

Explores the relationship between Earth’s size and its limited water volume, highlighting how precious, fragile, and vital water is to our survival.

At Least We Looked Good by Bernheim Forest & Arboretum

At Least We Looked Good by Bernheim Forest and Arboretum

A whimsical installation that addresses the ecological and social impact of the Fast Fashion industry.

Thank You to Our Founding Investors

We appreciate the visionary donors whose support has brought L+A+N+D (Landscape + Art + Nature + Design) to life, creating experiences that connect people with nature through innovative art and design.

L+A+N+D Donors

To sponsor L+A+N+D at Bernheim, contact Director of Advancement Melissa Raley via email or (502) 215-7137 to discuss how to customize this sponsorship opportunity.

 

DONATE TO L+A+N+D

This project is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts. To find out more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov