Area residents are invited to enjoy a free outdoor event Sunday, July 30, when the Piatt Castle Mac-A-Cheek hosts “The Art and Science of Nature” featuring nature walks, demonstrations, workshops, performances and exhibits.
The activities take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 30, on the lawn and tents situated at the 10051 Township Road 47, West Liberty, site.
The building itself is a testament to the nature surrounding it. Built as a home for Abram and Eleanor Piatt from 1864-1871, the structure is made of limestone quarried on the family’s farm.
From 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Craftsman Jim White presents “Trees to Towers” near the dog house behind the castle, sharing how trees and limestone from the Piatt family farm were used for the castle’s construction from 1864-71. He will discuss wood used for support and decoration and demonstrate stone chiseling.
The Nature-Activity & Exhibit Tent incorporates a variety of activities from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participants can create art-inspired by frescos and woodwork at Piatt Castle Mac-A-Cheek through drawing, stenciling and wooden block designs; color in the lines on a page depicting varieties or species seen at Mac-A-Cheek; view nature photographs taken on castle grounds by Jim White; read poems about nature written by multiple generations of the Piatt family; and investigate images and information about of the Mac-O-Chee Creek stream project.
At the tent beginning at 3:30 p.m., Castle Camp Creek Discoveries will be explained by scientist-teacher Bruce Smith.
A Water Table is hosted by the Logan County Soil & Water District, where attendees can explore the forces of water through an interactive program lead by District Technician Lyndon Roof.
Nature enthusiast Logan Boggs leads a 30-minute “Walking Tree Talk” at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Meet at the Large Walnut Tree behind the Activity and Exhibit Tent and walk the property with him to see and learn about some of his favorite trees.
“Enliven Science through Active Arts” is presented from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., including puppets throughout the day and Creative Dramatics at 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m., featuring “Battle of an Owl and Blue Jays” presented by theater educator Margaret Piatt in a short creative drama, based upon Donn Piatt’s poem.
At 1 and 2:30 p.m., “Trees in Motion” is presented by dancer and choreographer Suzanne Dennis. All ages and ability levels can participate in a tree dance inspired by the implied motion of trees.
In the Living History tent, guests can meet Miss Nellie Campbell from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Living historical interpreter and artist Grace Matchett portrays Campbell, a watercolor instructor for the genteel ladies who attended 19th century academies. Watch her demonstrate fundamental techniques, or join a 45-minute class at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., for adults and teens (limited to eight per session).
The Woodland Resources tent also features animal pelts loaned by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Activity starting times and lengths will be posted on the website, www.piattcastle.org, and a handout will be available at the welcome tent.
This event is sponsored by the Mac-A-Cheek Foundation for the Humanities, a 501c3 not for profit organization that produces educational experiences at Piatt Castle Mac-A-Cheek. Support for the event was made possible through grants from the Mary Eleanor Morris Fund of the Columbus Foundation, event sponsor Middlefield Banking Company, series sponsors Sean Alto and Kelly Norman and 2023 Seasonal Sponsor Dr. Ronald A. Stewart, contributions from Piatt Castle Co. Inc., MFH memberships and donations.
Facilitated, self-guided tours of Piatt Castle Mac-A-Cheek will be offered for regular admission fees July 30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit the website for rates, upcoming events and memberships.