Akron Life September 2023

AMISH COUNTRY

by Kelly Petryszyn photos provided by Inn at Honey Run

Beauty in Nature See artworks in a natural atmosphere at the Holmes County Open Air Art Museum.

“Around the Bend”

Natural elements make the art come alive at the Holmes County Open Air Art Museum at the Inn at Honey Run. It’s open year round and spectacular to visit during each season to see how the changing climate, like leaves falling, affects pieces like a 90-by-22 foot underwater scene mural.

“If you get a good sunny day and it’s a little windy, the leaves that are on the trees will flicker light where it almost looks like the water is alive and rippling,” says inn proprietor Jason Nies. Follow a 1.5-mile trail to spot around 10 art instal lations ranging from a 10-foot totem pole made

from found metal objects by former Holmes County artists to a series of five primitive gateways adorned with undulating carvings and woodcuts connected by a circular stone path. The elements add art of their own with picturesque forest, prairie and gently sloping hills surrounding you.

“It walks you up and down hills and shows you different vistas in addition to the art we’ve created by human hands,” Nies says. “It can be a very spiritual, peaceful time, or it could be just a swift walk and you enjoy a little bit of art.” Nies shares stories behind a few pieces.

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akronlife.com | SEPTEMBER 2023