Cincinnati-based BLINK artists, Mike DeMaria and Kevin Kunz make up The Adventurer—a 501c that makes interactive, performances, and museum quality exhibits. Their mission is to create large, kinetic art projects that focus on teaching the public issues that face our modern life such as animal extinction, local issues of poverty, mechanics of physics, and creating and sharing art. Most recently, The Adventurer displayed 3 pieces at Cincinnati Nature Center's 2024 Light in the Forest: Jack Frost, the Wise Old Tree, and Zippy the Snail.

For the "Art Aloft" project, funded in part through Artswave, DeMaria and Kunz invite viewers to explore the trails—perhaps trails yet to be hiked—and "look up" into the tree canopy to spot all 10 Ohio native species.

Tree canopies are a living roof of leaves and branches—offering shade, cleaner air, and habitat.

Each trail at Rowe Woods is home to one sculpture—10 sculptures total. This collection of Ohio native, canopy-dwelling-animals (or insect) was constructed by layering vibrantly colored 3/16 inch acrylic. At certain times of the day, the sun may shine though each peice to reveal a stained-glass effect, projecting a kaleidoscope of colors on the forest floor.

Stop by the front desk to learn how you can find your way using our Mobile Guide or, for adventurous spirits, pick up a trail passport to document your discoveries!