New Canaan Land Trust is hosting a lecture and mediative walk at the Watson Symington Preserve’s Labyrinth on Saturday, June 19th, the eve of the summer solstice.
Christopher Kaczmarek, the artist who created the Labyrinth as part of the 2020 New Canaan Sculpture Trail, will lead an informal talk about the history of seven-circuit labyrinths. In addition, attendees will learn about the process of constructing the Land Trust’s labyrinth from local stones gathered at the preserve. The outdoor talk will be followed by a mediative walk through the labyrinth.
As Professor Kaczmarek explained, “Seven-circuit labyrinths dates back more than 4,000 years, and are often used for walking mediation or as sites of ritual or celebration.” He continued, “On the eve of the summer solstice – an annual milestone and turning point for the earth -- we thought it would be timely to take in the Labyrinth and learn more about its role in history…New Canaan’s own Stonehenge!”
Professor Kaczmarek, an Assistant Professor of Interdisciplinary Art and Program Coordinator of Visual Art at Montclair State University, was selected by the New Canaan Sculpture Trail Exhibition Committee as one of the eight artists who participated in the 2020 exhibition on Land Trust and New Canaan town properties. His 60-foot seven circuit classic labyrinth is the only permanent installation of the eight installations.