Karl Stirner Sculpture to Be Dedicated on Trail Named After Him

By Christina Georgiou

The Karl Stirner Arts Trail is about to get a little more art this weekend, as the Friends of the Karl Stirner Arts Trail host a dedication and celebration of the installation of a signature sculpture by the artist for who the trail is named.

The free event will take place near the Blue Bridge on Bushkill Drive along the trail from 2 to 4 p.m., this Sunday, October 6 and will include music by the Lafayette College CaPA Fellows, appetizers, and a cash bar. Members of the public are invited to attend.

The new work, mounted on two pedestals on either side of the walking trail just north of the Blue Bridge, has been rendered by Stirner in painted red iron and forms an archway over the pathway.

Karl Stirner talks about his new sculpture, seen left, in his Ferry Street
studio. The piece will be dedicated at a celebration this Sunday
along the Karl Stirner Arts Trail.

Stirner, chatting during an impromptu visit to his Ferry Street studio about two weeks ago, was characteristically nonchalant about the as-yet untitled piece, on which he was working on the finishing touches at the time.

"I've been flipping around on a name," he said.

Despite the recognition the new sculpture has received, the internationally-exhibited artist is modest about his work.

"It's really not a big deal," Stirner said. "It's just another piece of iron."

But, as a signature piece along the trail named for him, the new sculpture is likely to be a landmark along the popular walking path through the city for decades to come.

Free parking and shuttle service to and from the Stirner sculpture dedication event will be available from 1:30  to 4:30 p.m. at the following two locations:

• The public parking lot at 524 Bushkill Drive (look for large “Karl Stirner Arts Trail” sign)
• The parking lot behind the old Hummel Lumber building at 901 Bushkill Drive

Free parking is also available at the Karl Stirner Arts Trail parking lot at 549 North 13th St., but shuttle service won't be available from this location. If parking here, be prepared to walk about one mile along the trail both to and from the dedication.

Click here for a map of the event location, along with the free parking areas mentioned above.



While not entirely necessary, RSVPs from those planning to attend the sculpture dedication are appreciated, the Friends of KSAT says. To RSVP, email friendsofksat@gmail.com

"Easton Ellipse" by the late Patricia Meyerowitz, will be
moved to the Karl Stirner Arts Trail, near the 13th Street
entrance to the walking path, following its restoration.
Contributed photo

Another sculpture is also being added to the Karl Stirner Arts Trail's outdoor exhibit collection too, near the 13th Street end of the walking path, Friends of the KSAT have also announced.

"Easton Ellipse", by the late Patricia Meyerowitz, will be moved to the location following its restoration, and the base has already been installed. The art work was previously located just north of the Route 22 toll bridge along the Delaware River in Easton.

Easton Planning Commission Supports Extension of Arts Trail

By Christina Georgiou


The yellow line represents the planned extension of the Karl Stirner
Arts Trail through College Hill in Easton.


Extending the Karl Stirner Arts Trail through Easton's College Hill neighborhood got one step closer to becoming a reality Thursday evening with a resolution by the city's planning commission to add the planned walking trail extension to the city's new comprehensive plan.

While the move is the first step toward extending the trail, it will take at least another couple of years to execute, said city planning director Becky Bradley.

The new city comprehensive plan won't be complete until 2014, but the trail plan needs to be on it for further approvals from other agencies for the extension to happen, she said.

"We need to have it on the plan so they can even get started," Bradley told the planning commission.

Other hurdles, such as approvals from PennDOT for places where the trail intersects or runs with state roads, as well as finding funding for construction and trail markers, will also need to be overcome for the extension to become a reality, too.

But the planning commission's approval means fundraising and further planning for the effort can begin, she said.

"We shouldn't focus on the money. This is about the plan," Bradley told commissioners. "You set your goals and then pursue funds."


An approximation of what thenew fountain will look like
when placed in Nevin Park, from the presentation project
coordinator Hubert Etchison gave to the Easton
Planning Commission Thursday evening.

The extension of the trail is part of the College Hill Neighborhood Association's plan to revitalize Nevin Park and replace the cast iron fountain that once graced the recreational area.

Volunteer project coordinator Hubert Etchison recently outlined the plan for both the fountain replacement and the group's hopes to extend the pedestrian trail to city council, and the project was promised financial support from the city after it was announced that the committee working on the years-long project had reached a significant fundraising goal, enabling it to be able to commit to purchasing a stylistically appropriate replacement cast-iron fountain.

The fountain will likely be installed in Nevin Park within a year, those connected with the project have estimated, but making the trail extension a reality will take much longer.

"There are massive permitting hurdles to make this happen," Bradley said. "But that's part of the job--what are the hurdles and how do we make it happen."

The trail extension is designed to connect walkers with a more sylvan connection with the rest of the city, as well as highlight Nevin Park and local history, Etchison said.

While the second segment of the project will take much more time--as well as money--to complete, the citizen's group is committed to making it a reality.

"We're not going to finish this fountain and then set up a hammock," he told the planning commission. "We're pretty pumped...We're trying to go beyond 'this is going to be a really cool fountain.' There are some really great opportunities to dial it up from that."

Trail markers highlighting area history, along with a narration of events and places that will be accessible via a smartphone, likely to be completed by local students and non-profit organizations, are to be incorporated into the path, Etchison said.

A full estimate of what adding the trail will cost is not yet complete, but the money to complete the project is expected to come from various state and federal grant sources, both Etchison and city officials have said.

"The historic significance of the things along the (Route) 611 part of this are amazing, and we haven't even started on the Cattell Street side of this," Etchison said.

The trail extension will connect with the existing Karl Stirner Arts Trail at the base of College Hill on North Third Street and form a loop, which would give walkers two ways to scale the steep slope--one directly up the hill, and the other, a longer route that is less strenous that veers toward the river. The trail would incorporated Nevin Park in the middle.

Whether the trail extension will still be named "Karl Stirner" is uncertain though, as Bradley and Etchison said it would be advantageous for fundraising purposes to leave naming possibilities undetermined for now.

"It could be 'give us the money guy' trail," Bradley said.

But whatever it's ultimately named, the plan will further enhance the city, she said.

"I think it's completely sound and smart and reasonable, what they're trying to do," Bradley said. "It's wonderful to have community members to come to the city with ideas of what they want."

The planning commission voted unanimously in favor of the resolution.

"I don't think there's any question but that we support it," said Easton Planning Commission Chairman Charles Elliot.

Nevin Park to Finally Get Fountain Restored

By Christina Georgiou


The fountain in Nevin Park, as it appeared about 100 years ago. It was
dismantled for maintenance in the 1920s, which never happened. The

iron fountain was later melted down for scrap during World War II.

A long-time plan to replace the pile of rocks that sits at the center of Nevin Park in Easton's College Hill neighborhood with a fountain reminiscent of the one that formerly graced the park is finally coming to fruition, and it will include the expansion of the Karl Stirner Arts Trail as well, it was announced at Wednesday evening's city council meeting.


The pile of rocks that sits today where the old fountain
used to be in
College Hill's Nevin Park.



It's been about 90 years since Nevin Park's fountain, originally erected in Downtown Easton's Centre Square in the 1860s as a celebration of clean water and moved to the park in 1899 to make way for the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil War monument, disappeared. Historic record says it was dismantled for maintenance in the 1920s, but the repairs never happened. Instead, it was melted down for scrap during World War II.

Residents have long lamented the antique fountain's loss, but a similar fountain of the same style will soon grace the park, thanks to the efforts of a committee of dedicated citizens.



CHNA president Hubert
Etchison outlines the
Nevin Park fountain
plan to Easton City Council
members Wednesday
evening.

 Hubert Etchison, president of the College Hill Neighborhood Association, which spearheaded the effort, presented a plan to Easton City Council Wednesday evening outlining the plan.

The group considered both a custom-made restoration of the original fountain and the purchase of a ready-made piece. A low bid for a recreation of the original fountain came in for $367,500, which was far beyond the amount the group budgeted for the project.

"It would take a lot of yard sales to get there," Etchison said. "Unless someone wants to write us a check..."

However, the committee chanced upon an opportunity to buy a ready-made fountain, identical to one currently erected in Marietta, Georgia, for $37,500, Etchison said.

"The restoration of the fountain area in Nevin Park will provide a focal point for activity along the Karl Stirner Arts Trail, provide an adult-friendly vista, and aid in enhancing the economic growth of College Hill through increased traffic to its key business corridor" he said. "This vision and plan will highlight key historical aspects of Nevin Park and College Hill that might otherwise be lost."

The fountain the CHNA committee intends to purchase, as seen in its current
location in Marietta, Georgia.

The expansion of the trail will include new historic markers outlining the stories of key events in Easton's history. The marker project may include an audio project that could be completed by local middle- and high school students and would be playable on smartphones, Etchison said.

The graceful beauty of the fountain will add aesthetic appeal to the park, and also provide photographic opportunities at the park for things like weddings, Etchison said.

The walking trail would be extended from the base of College Hill on North Third Street up the hill and have two paths, one for "strong walkers" and another, longer route that would accomodate more leisurely paces.

The group has raised nearly $22,000 toward the effort, which in its entirety is expected to cost about $205,000

The city earmarked $75,000 in its capital improvements fund two years ago, Mayor Sal Panto said, with an agreement that the city would match citizens' fundraising efforts 2 to 1 and release the funds when the goal was realized.

About $31,000 in demolition, site prep work, and the preliminary utility installation work has been secured as in-kind donations, Etchison said.

The group hopes to secure $90,000 in grant funding, and will cover the estimated remaining $18,300 through further fundraising efforts, he added.


A map of the proposed extension through College Hill of the Karl Stirner
Arts Trail.



As part of the plan, the group also intends to create a refurbishment fund to cover the costs of future maintenance, expected to be needed about 25 years after the fountain's installation, to ensure it is properly kept in good working order for future generations.

The funds raised and pledged so far are enough for the CHNA committee to commit to buying the Marietta fountain and get the ball rolling, hopefully by July 1 of this year, Etchison said.

Getting to the point of seeing the fountain completely installed will likely take about a year. New piping and electrical lines need to be run in the area, and the pad needs to be replaced, he noted.

Marietta has been helpful too in providing advice for the future preservation of the fountain, Etchison said. Unlike the installation in Georgia, in Easton it will likely have a granite pool rim, which will help keep the fountain's iron in good condition, he said.

The extension plans for the Karl Stirner Arts Trail will likely take at least two years, said Easton Planning Director Becky Bradley.

To effect that change, the city's comprehensive plan, currently undergoing an update, will need to be modified, and the regional greenway plan will need to be updated as well, both processes that take time.

Additionally, some funds will likely need to be raised in addition to those already budgeted for, she said.

"Their vision is great," she said, enthusiastic about the plan.

Other officials were also very upbeat about the park upgrade and citizen involvement in extending the walking trail through the city.

"(The fountain) is one of the few things we can do for College Hill because they're not eligible for grant dollars," Panto said. "We're 100 percent on board at the administration."

Councilman Jeff Warren also praised the plan.

"This is truly a visionary project for College Hill," he said, noting that the pile of rocks currently in the fountain's place is one of his first memories of the city. "Believe me, I'll be happy to see it go, but it does hold some fond memories for me."

Etchison credited committee members for their persistance and dedication to the effort.

"There's no way we would have gotten here without our volunteers," he said.



An old photo of the original fountain, as seen in Easton's Centre Square, before it was moved to Nevin Park in 1899 to make way for the Soldiers' and Sailors' monument, which still stands in its place today.



Karl Stirner Arts Trail Celebrates Grace Gate

By Christina Georgiou

Sculptor Willie Cole talks about the inspiration for "Grace Gate" at the
work's dedication ceremony Tuesday afternoon. The design
is a stylized representation of his face, with his hands clasped
in a gesture of gratitude in front of it.


The Karl Stirner Arts Trail celebrated its newest art addition Tuesday afternoon, officially dedicating "Grace Gate", created by renowned sculptor Willie Cole. The event was attended by about 25 officials, members of the public, and art students.

The iron gate sits near the northern midpoint of the trail, which runs along the Bushkill Creek in the West Ward and Downtown neighborhoods of Easton, and marks an access point to the path from Easton Cemetery. To enter the Stirner Trail, one must traverse the tunnel that runs under Route 22, and step through Grace Gate, which will stay closed most of the time, as it's designed to keep motor vehicles out, but allow pedestrians to pass through.

The proximity to the cemetery influenced Grace Gate's design, Cole said.

"I thought about the tunnel and the entrance between life and death," he told the assembled crowd. "I enjoyed the fact too that the gate was not to stop people, but to stop cars."

The gate's design is in keeping with its name, the artist said.

"I was coming to the realization of the importance of giving thanks," Cole said, explaining that the work is a stylized representation of his face, with his hands clasped in a gesture of gratitude in front of it.

The eyes on the gate are open, because "I wanted to keep the play of light moving," he added.

"I would have loved to have created a gate on the other side too, to create a dialogue between the two. Maybe I'll raise the money and donate it to the city," Cole said.

The artist said in the short time he's been visiting Easton, he's come to appreciate both the architecture and atmosphere that is conducive to the arts community.

"I almost feel like I need to move to Easton now," Cole said.


Jim Toia, chair for the Bushkill
 Creek Corridor Council of
the Arts, talks about
"Grace Gate" at the
dedication on Tuesday.

 Cole, who is best known for his transformations of ordinary domestic objects, has been exhibited at a long list of major museums and other public venues across the country, including the Musuem of Modern Art in New York City. A New Jersey native, he lives in Minehill, NJ, near the Delaware Water Gap.

Jim Toia, chair for the Bushkill Creek Corridor Council of the Arts and an art teacher at Lafayette College, praised the work.

"The fact that you can step right through this gate, which sort of defies what a gate is about, is really great," he said. "When Willie came up with the idea for the gate, I looked at the drawing, and I thought, 'Wow, this is really minimal.' But after more talking, it became deeper and deeper. He was right, and what we have behind us is a testament to that."


Sculptor Willie Cole, right, chats with Karl Stirner.

 Toia also said more art is set to be added to the arts trail this summer, including a work by Easton artist Karl Stirner, for whom the nature path is named.

Mayor Sal Panto also praised the work and said he's excited to see the trail area populated with "good art" instead of graffiti.

Athena Barat, sings
"Amazing Grace".

"I don't know what good art is, but we know what bad art is," he said.

Adding an artistic note to the formality of the Grace Gate dedication, in a musical sense, the celebration was punctuated by two acapella  songs by Cole's friend Athena Barat, including the aptly chosen, "Amazing Grace."



Grace Gate, as seen from Easton Cemetery.



Karl Stirner Arts Trail Gets a Spring Cleaning



Volunteers from the College Hill Neighborhood Association, from left to right,
Josh Rae, Liz and Jerry Nissen, Nancy Amacker, and Jim and Christina Helms.
Photo by Becky Bradley

About 40 concerned citizens came together to give some TLC to the Karl Stirner Arts Trail Saturday morning.

Included in the mix were Friends of the Karl Stirner Arts Trail, members of the College Hill Neighborhood Association, members of the Delta Upsilon fraternity at Lafayette College, representatives from the West Ward Neighborhood Partnership, and even whole families who just enjoy the bit of nature the trail offers in the midst of the City of Easton.



Two volunteers prepare tree protectors for the many young
saplings along the Karl Stirner Arts Trail during the clean up
event on Saturday morning.
Photo by Brian Gish.



 

The second annual spring clean up event was sponsored by the city's planning department, whose staff also got their hands dirty to beautify the trail which included adding tree protection to saplings, picking up trash, and generally sprucing things up for the many residents and visitors who regularly stroll, hike, bike, and fish along the path that skirts the Bushkill Creek.



West Ward resident Jim Bloom, Chief City Planner
(and Downtown resident) Brian Gish, and Charles Elliot,
a Downtown business owner, College Hill resident
 and chairman of the Easton Planning Commission,
take a moment to admire the results of their labor.
Photo by Becky Bradley.




One young volunteer noted that while the event was planned and organized by adults, kids such as himself make a serious contribution that shouldn't be underestimated.

"Kids are more efficient than adults because adults just watch the news and drink beer," he reportedly told Chief City Planner Brian Gish.


  

Volunteers Owen Amacker, 8, Georgina Amacker, 5, and
Bianca Sessegilo, 11, take a brief break from their trail clean
up efforts Saturday morning.
Photo by Becky Bradley.



And, while the Karl Stirner Arts Trail has been open for nearly two years and even includes a dog park for the city's canine residents and their humans to enjoy, there are still more improvements that have been recently completed and coming in the near future.

The public is invited to a celebration of the trail's new Grace Gate this Tuesday, April 23, at 2 p.m.

The gate was designed and executed by renowned sculptor Willie Cole.

Parking will be available at the Lafayette College parking lot at the corner of North Third Street and Snyder Street, with shuttle service to the event site.

In case of rain, check www.easton-pa.gov for details on an alternate location for the celebration.

For those that missed the event and wish to contribute to city beautification, there is a citywide clean up event planned for next weekend, on Saturday, April 27.

Arts Trail Cleanup Seeks Volunteers

Click on the map for a better view.

Many people use the Karl Stirner Arts Trail to run, bike, stroll, walk their dogs, fish, and just generally enjoy a bit of nature along the banks of the Bushkill Creek, and now  that spring has arrived, the City of Easton Planning Department wants to ensure it looks good for the season.

The Second Annual Karl Stirner Arts Trail Spring Cleanup event is set for Saturday, April 20, from 8:30 to 11 a.m., and volunteers are needed to help with the effort to rid the trail of bits of trash that have accumulated over the winter.

The City of Easton will provide garbage bags and gloves for volunteers, who can sign in to the event at the blue bridge off of Bushkill Drive or at the North 13th Street entrance.

Parking for the clean up event is also provided nearby, at the trail's North 13th Street entrance and at 500 Bushkill Street (near Safe Harbor).

Advice for volunteers from last year's cleanup includes wearing long sleeves and long pants, wearing work or garden gloves, and bringing a filled water bottle.

In case of rain, the cleanup will be postponed until the next day, on Sunday, April 21, from 8:30 to 11 a.m.

Those not available on April 20 who would still like to contribute to the trail cleanup effort are welcome to bring their own garbage bag and collect trash any time. Bags can be left in any of the trail's garbage cans or carried out.

If trash cans along the trail are full, the planning department asks that people let them know at 610-250-6721.

The first of several events for the season along the trail is set for Tuesday, April 23 at 2 p.m., when the dedication of "Grace Gate" by artist Willie Cole will take place. The public is invited.

To directly view or download the clean up event flyer, with a map for volunteers, click here.

For more information about the trail and future events planned for the Karl Stirner Arts Trail, call the phone number above or visit the Friends of the Karl Stirner Arts Trail Facebook page.