Transforming the Landscape: Chakaia Booker's Monumental Debut on the Karl Stirner Arts Trail

Easton, Pennsylvania, is set to witness the unveiling of a groundbreaking sculpture by internationally acclaimed artist Chakaia Booker. The Karl Stirner Arts Trail (KSAT) will welcome Booker as their 2024-25 artist-in-residence, marking a significant moment in the trail's artistic journey. The debut of Booker's pivotal work, "No More Milk and Cookies," promises to captivate audiences and transform the landscape of the KSAT.

Reclaiming the Ordinary: Booker's Artistic Vision Takes Center Stage

Debuting a Monumental Masterpiece

On Sunday, September 15th, Chakaia Booker will debut her new sculpture, "No More Milk and Cookies," at the KSAT's Landis Cinema at Buck Hall. This 14-and-a-half-foot-high, 29-foot-long, and 24-foot-deep work, constructed from reclaimed rubber tires and wood, will be installed on the trail's Movie Hill near the dog park, where it will remain for at least two years. The unveiling will be followed by a special reception, allowing the public to engage with the artist and explore the profound message behind this captivating creation.

Renowned Panelists Offer Insights

Joining Booker at the event will be a distinguished panel of artists and scholars, including Berrisford Boothe, professor of art and architecture at Lehigh University and founding director/curator of the Petrucci Family Foundation Collection; Adama Delphine Fawundu, assistant professor of visual arts and director of graduate studies at Columbia University School of the Arts; Willie Cole; and Robert S. Mattison, Marshall R. Metzgar Professor of Art History Emeritus at Lafayette College. These esteemed individuals will share their perspectives on Booker's work and its significance within the broader artistic landscape.

A Transformative Journey

"No More Milk and Cookies" is not a new creation; it has a rich history, having been previously exhibited at the Strom King Arts Center in Mountainville, New York, in 2004, and the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum in Lincoln, Massachusetts, in 2010. The sculpture's return to the KSAT marks a pivotal moment in its journey, as it takes on a new life and context within the trail's dynamic environment.

Engaging the Community

In addition to the debut of "No More Milk and Cookies," the KSAT will host a series of workshops with Chakaia Booker this fall. On Saturday, October 12th, from noon to 2 p.m., the public will have the opportunity to participate in a hands-on event at the base of Movie Hill, where they can collaborate with the artist to create new works of art using collected, found objects and materials. This interactive experience will be guided by students from Lafayette's Creative and Performing Arts Scholars program, as well as Phillipsburg and Easton high school students from the Lafayette College art department's Community-Based Teaching Program, led by KSAT's executive director and curator, Jim Toia.

Celebrating a Renowned Artist

Chakaia Booker, born in Newark, New Jersey, in 1953, is renowned for her monumental, abstract works that transform everyday materials into captivating sculptures. Her use of recycled tires and stainless steel has earned her international acclaim, with her works featured in more than 40 public collections across the United States, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Booker's inclusion in the 2000 Whitney Biennial and her receipt of a Guggenheim Fellowship in 2005 further solidify her status as a trailblazing artist.

Leaving a Lasting Impression

The debut of "No More Milk and Cookies" on the Karl Stirner Arts Trail promises to leave a lasting impression on the community. Booker's ability to breathe new life into discarded materials and transform them into thought-provoking works of art is a testament to her creative vision and her commitment to environmental sustainability. As the KSAT welcomes Booker as their 2024-25 artist-in-residence, the trail is poised to become a hub of artistic exploration and community engagement, inspiring visitors to see the world through a new lens.