Baileys Harbor, Wis. (August 22, 2022) – The Ridges Sanctuary is hosting two special events on Labor Day weekend that celebrate nature for all. We will open the weekend with a dedication of our new ADA-compliant boardwalk that extends accessibility to the Baileys Harbor Range Lights for visitors of all ages and abilities. We will continue the weekend with an artist reception for A Brush with Nature by Jan Comstock and Natural Abilities, Exploring Environments by artists with disabilities from ARTS for ALL Wisconsin.
On Friday, September 2 at 3:30pm, the Sanctuary will hold a dedication of the new ADA-compliant Range Light Boardwalk to recognize the amazing volunteers who have been working on the project. The accessible boardwalk connects the Upper and Lower Range Lights and allows visitors to easily navigate the open corridor between the two historical buildings. It also serves as an avenue connecting the Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center and Hidden Brook boardwalk to the Sanctuary’s rustic trails. This special event will be held at the Upper Range Light and will consist of a short presentation and social hour. Parking will be directed to the cabins parking lot on County Road Q, you are also invited to park at the Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center and take the short half mile walk along both accessible boardwalks.
The opening reception for the third installment of The Ridges Sanctuary 2022 Gallery Series – Inspired by Nature follows on Saturday, September 3 from 10am-12:00pm, with artists remarks at 10:30am. Two nature inspired exhibits will be on view: “A Brush with Nature” a retrospective of works by Door County artist Jan Comstock: and “Natural Abilities, Exploring Environments with ARTS for ALL Wisconsin, featuring selected works from artists with disabilities.
Jan Comstock’s stunning retrospective A Brush with Nature, is presented in a variety of mediums, including graphite, watercolor and oil. A Baileys Harbor resident, Jan Comstock has devoted her life to the arts. After receiving her BFA in art and art education she worked in commercial art for many years and eventually found her way to directing two non-profit arts organizations in Door County. She is captivated by the emotional impact achieved when painting animals in nature.
The Sanctuary is also proud to present “Natural Abilities, Exploring Environments with ARTS for ALL Wisconsin.” The collection of artworks is created by 12 Wisconsin artists with disabilities and inspired by the natural environment around the wider Great Lakes Region. The exhibition celebrates diversity in nature, body, and mind. A vivid array of styles and subject matter are presented, from healing waterfalls, electrifying storms, and elusive animals to whimsical landscapes, and other ecosystems, both real and imagined. The exhibition will run from September 3 through October 15 with proceeds benefiting exhibiting artists, The Ridges Sanctuary, and ARTS for ALL Wisconsin. Arts for All Wisconsin is a Madison-based non-profit organization with a mission to expand the capabilities, confidence, and quality of life for children and adults with disabilities throughout Wisconsin by providing programs in the arts.
About The Ridges Sanctuary: The Ridges Sanctuary is a 1,600-acre private, non-profit nature preserve located in Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin. It is listed as a National Natural Landmark, Important Bird Area and Wisconsin State Natural Area. Founded in 1937, the Ridges was protected as Wisconsin’s first land trust to protect and preserve the sensitive habitat found in Baileys Harbor. Today, The Ridges continues to serve Baileys Harbor through its mission of Education, Research and Land Preservation.