Last year at this time Mary wrote the following request:
Hi Joey,
So many Greenbelt employees connected with Gloucester say you are THE news source on Cape Ann. We hope you can assist in publishing information about Greenbelt’s annual blockbuster – Art in the Barn…
Mary Williamson
Director of Community Engagement
mew@ecga.org
See below for this year’s schedule of events:
GREENBELT PRESENTS 23rd ANNUAL ART IN THE BARN
  Artisan Showcase and Sale June –15-17 benefits Greenbelt land conservation efforts
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Essex, MA, June 5, 2012: Essex County Greenbelt, the region’s premier member-supported land conservation organization will present the 23rd Annual Art in Barn artisan showcase and sale, June 15-17, at its Cox Reservation Headquarters in Essex. New to the lineup of art and jewelry exhibited this year is an outdoor sculpture walk featuring large-scale works installed along the walking trails and in the scenic fields overlooking the Essex River. “We are excited about the addition of the sculpture walk to Art in the Barn,” said Greenbelt Executive Director, Ed Becker. “Our visitors can plan to spend more time on this magnificent protected property, and gain a better understanding of Greenbelt’s land conservation work, as they stroll by or picnic near various pieces,” he continued.
For one weekend every June, the barns and grounds at the magnificent Cox Reservation are transformed with color and form as paintings in oil, acrylic and watercolor, monoprints, ceramics and pottery, jewelry and sculpture in wood and iron decorate the surfaces and surroundings of this iconic property. Even the conference room within the LEED certified, “green” headquarters will be transformed into creative jewelry display space, inviting all to discover the work of over 150 participating local artisans. Proceeds from the sale of all items on exhibition directly support Greenbelt’s land conservation efforts.
The outdoor sculpture walk, featuring large-scale works by area artists such as Dale Rogers and Kim Radoccia, will offer visitors the opportunity to connect with the land that often inspires the artist. “Sculpture in any environment gives those of us participating in that experience a different perspective.  After seeing and connecting to something new your viewpoint will forever change and as an artist this is my ultimate goal,” offered regional sculptor Kim Radoccia.  Kim wanted to team up with a local environmental organization to create solutions and/or interventions in the landscape that would both educate the public and communicate a better vision towards environmental stewardship.  “I am blessed to have a deep and abiding relationship to nature and because of that connection I am able to draw endless amounts of inspiration and creativity from it.  I think it is very important to pass this on to others and build this in others” she continued.
Greenbelt welcomes the public to Art in the Barn to see and purchase the diverse work of talented artists from throughout the region, inspired by the natural landscapes and light that have drawn artists to Cape Ann and Essex County for decades. In fact, it is not unusual to see painters set up, palette in hand, on the many Greenbelt public reservations throughout the region. Often those canvases are submitted for the Art in the Barn Exhibition and Sale. “Some are able to support Greenbelt with large gifts of land or funds, others give their artistic talent and enthusiastically volunteer their time and energy,” said Committee Chairperson, Nathalie Meyfarth. “I look forward to helping Greenbelt with the Art in the Barn event because it allows me to support their important work of conserving open space and the gorgeous landscapes of Essex County in a way that involves my lifelong interest in art. It’s a lively and happy few days that brings art lovers and conservation-minded people together in a scenic location. People thoroughly enjoy indulging themselves by buying an original piece of art while supporting a good cause,” she added.
Given its long-running popularity, Art in the Barn draws artists in every medium, and at every experience level and price point. The participating artists submit to a rigorous application and jury process for admission. The event continues to draw strong audience, with crowds often numbering 4,000 attendees over three days.  “Art in the Barn offers the public a marvelous opportunity to see and purchase the work of fine regional artists, while supporting Greenbelt’s important land conservation work,” said Beth Cooper, a long-time Art in the Barn volunteer “It’s one of many ways Greenbelt can connect people to the land and local landscapes we cherish, and one way we can take a small piece of its beauty home with us!”
The opening reception on Friday, June 15th will feature the music of Crazy Maggie, the famous Ipswich Tapmobile and delicious food from Gloucester-based caterer,  Beach Gourmet. Visitors are encouraged to allow the time to soak in the scenery, enjoy the trails and refreshments available.
Sidebar: The schedule for the Art in the Barn 2012 event is as follows:
Public Exhibit:Â Â Friday, June 15, 9:30 am to 4 pm;
Wine & Cheese Reception: Friday, June 15, 6 pm to 8:30 pm
Public Exhibit: Saturday, June 16, 9:30 am to 6 pm
Public Exhibit: Sunday, June 17, 10 am to 4 pm
Since 1961, Greenbelt has been working with local individuals, families, farmers and communities to protect the farmland, wildlife habitat and scenic vistas of Essex County. Greenbelt has protected over 15,000 acres of local land and has had a direct role in 75% of all land conserved in the last decade.  For more information about Greenbelt programs visitÂ
www.ecga.org or callÂ
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