The High Line is a public park built on a historic elevated freight rail line on Manhattan’s West Side. Inspired by the spontaneous wild garden that found habitat among its abandoned tracks, it has become the most inspiring new urban park of our time. Each year, millions of visitors from around the world come to walk this magical mile in the sky, exploring the city’s history, architecture and culture while immersed in artful naturalism, all at a safe remove from speeding traffic on the streets below.
Rick Darke has been photographing the High Line for a decade. On Thurs., May 24, he will discuss his experience of observing and documenting its transformation from a completely wild place to an intricately designed and managed landscape.
Darke’s lecture will begin at 1 p.m. at the Academy Art Museum, 106 South Street, Easton, Md. The talk will examine the High Line from birth to abandonment to reincarnation while seeking insights into the future of this and other post-industrial urban ecologies.
The program is offered by Adkins Arboretum in concert with Academy Art Museum. Advance registration is required for all participants and is $15 for Arboretum and Academy members, $20 for the general public. Space is limited; participants are encouraged to register early at www.adkinsarboretum.org or by calling 410-634-2847, ext. 0.
Darke is an author, photographer and consultant whose work blends art, ecology and cultural geography in the design and management of livable landscapes. His work has been featured in the New York Times, The Huffington Post, The Wall Street Journal and numerous other publications. His many books include The American Woodland Garden: Capturing the Spirit of the Deciduous Forest and The Wild Garden: Expanded Edition. His photography and writing are featured in Annik La Farge’s new book, On the High Line. For more information, visit www.rickdarke.com.
Adkins Arboretum is a 400-acre native garden and preserve at the headwaters of the Tuckahoe Creek in Caroline County. Through its Campaign to Build a Green Legacy, the Arboretum will build a new LEED-certified Arboretum Center and entranceway to broaden educational offerings and research initiatives promoting best practices in conservation and land stewardship. Located in historic Easton in Talbot County, the Academy Art Museum provides the knowledge, practice and appreciation of the arts and enhances cultural life on the Eastern Shore by making available to everyone the Museum’s expanding collection, exhibitions and broad spectrum of arts programs.
In photo: Noted author and photographer Rick Darke will speak about the High Line, New York City’s public park built on an abandoned elevated rail line, May 24 at the Academy Art Museum in Easton. Photo courtesy of Rick Darke.