Alan Sonfist Kicks Off Celestial Meadow Project with Local Hayground School Students
Water Mill, NY, October 2, 2024 – On Friday, September 27, renowned environmental artist Alan Sonfist, accompanied by students from the Hayground School, officially kicked off his latest site-specific installation, Celestial Meadow, at the Parrish Art Museum. This two-year project, commissioned by the Museum, is part of an initiative to blend art and environmental stewardship, featuring native plantings arranged in patterns that reflect the star constellations visible above the Parrish grounds.
“We are thrilled to begin this important project with Alan Sonfist and the community,” said Mónica Ramírez-Montagut, Executive Director, Parrish Art Museum. “Celestial Meadow reflects the Museum’s commitment to sustainability, creativity, and education, and we are excited to watch it grow alongside the young students who will play a role in its transformation.”
Corinne Erni, Lewis B. and Dorothy Cullman Chief Curator of Art and Education remarked, “Seeing Alan Sonfist interact with the students at the Parrish, teaching them about ecological preservation and the creative process behind earth art, was inspiring. This project is a wonderful example of how art can foster environmental awareness and we look forward to seeing the Meadow come to life in 2026 as part of an exhibition on art and climate change.”
The Celestial Meadow project begins with an ecological restoration phase that involves eco-friendly methods, including covering the site with a tarp to eliminate invasive species. Over the next year, native wildflowers will be planted in a pattern that mirrors the star constellations above. By the summer of 2026, the meadow will bloom into a vibrant celestial-themed, plant-based design.
“The site will undergo necessary ecological restoration to prepare for the native flora. This involves implementing eco-friendly methods to create a suitable environment for growth. On September 27th, an eco-friendly tarp was used to cover the field and eliminate the invasive species,” explained Alan Sonfist.
“This Land Art Forward installation project brings together art, nature, and community in a meaningful way. Working with the students to create a lasting, environmental artwork is not just about the final piece, but also about instilling the value of art and environmental stewardship in the next generation,” added Sonfist.
The Celestial Meadow installation will be featured in a larger exhibition on ecology at the Parrish Art Museum in 2026.
For press inquiries, contact:
Melanie Tolan | tolanm@parrishart.org
Office: 631-283-2118 x 124
