MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – EcoArts Sculpture Walk is happening a little differently this year due to COVID-19.

But, thanks to an award from the National Endowment for the Arts for “LOCUS, A Sense of Place,” work is currently being co-created and installed at the park.

This Friday, July 17, and Saturday, July 18, from 8 to 11a.m., the public is invited to join Laura Kennedy to co-create an owl and learn some of Laura’s sculpture making techniques.

“My hope is to educate and inspire people about the rich web of life in action that we witness here in Lake County through this piece,” said Kennedy. “I chose the owl as my subject for EcoArts this year, to call some attention to the night creatures that are key contributors to ecosystems, as well as to ecosystem recovery.”

Kennedy came to Lake County in 2010, left for a few years and returned the weekend the Valley fire ignited in September 2015.

She has been here since, for the most part, and is sinking her roots deeper. “The diverse natural world here in Lake County is my heart space,” she said.

Those interested in collaborating with Kennedy are encouraged to sign up in advance at www.middletownartcenter.org/classes to reserve a spot or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Registration helps MAC prepare and stay in touch for scheduling. The class is offered by donation, from $0 to $30.

Additional meetings will take place in the days to come. Please email MAC if you can’t make it this weekend but are interested in participating at another time in the coming week or two.

The goal of LOCUS is to revitalize public spaces damaged in the Valley fire through collaborative sculpture making.

Since May 2019, the Middletown Art Center a.k.a. EcoArts of Lake County, has initiated the making of several collaborative sculptures, led by artists, at Trailside Park and at Rabbit Hill.

Installations are made possible through partnerships with the Lake County Public Services Department and the Lake County Land Trust.

“Getting out into nature in public spaces and seeing some art is a great way to get some exercise, relief and enrichment in this time of Social Distancing,” said MAC Programs Director Lisa Kaplan. “We encourage you to join a workshop, and co-create with us, or come and enjoy the trails and artwork!”

To find out more about what’s happening at MAC and ways to support their efforts to weave the arts and culture into the fabric of life in Lake County visit www.middletownartcenter.org .