Giant mushrooms, an ephemeral wolf, rushing water are all on a road that stretches into the countryside and wends about the Othe forest in the northern reaches of the Yonne, a region located in central France that is a part of Burgundy. Here every two years a pathway of some 6 miles (10 kilometres) traverses fields and farmlands, the countryside and forest lands, punctuated by contemporary installation artworks. The journey called Chemins d’artistes (Pathways of the Artists) aims to raise public awareness about the importance of protecting nature, biodiversity and ecological networks while offering a pathway into contemporary art. The event, which is free and held every two years and attracts thousands of visitors from the region and beyond, is organized by the Ruban Vert association founded 10 years ago to protect and restore the biodiversity and connecting ecological zones in the northern reaches of the Yonne administrative region. Ruban vert means green ribbon. 

« The project uses art to change how we see the forest, to make it something to like and to give back to it what it gives to us. It is a method of cultural and environmental intervention that is in sink with current challenges, «  explained  Claire Tutenuit, the founder of the Ruban Vert Association. The theme of this year’s event is Deep into the Forest and it is complemented by a related exhibition in the scenic medieval  town of Villeneuve-sur-Yonne. The installation works are on display until September 13th and the gallery show until September 19th. Special to The Gourmet Gazette 

http://www.lerubanvert.net