Ben Allanoff
Joshua Tree, California
“Altar” | 2024 Paseo Project Artist in Residence
Using unwanted plant material culled from the Rio Fernando Park, Allanoff created this large scale vertical sculpture made from branches and saplings (primarily Siberian Elm and thinned Willow) gathered as part of the restoration of the Park. Community members, including Paseo Project interns and members of the New Mexico Youth Conservation Corps, helped gather and prepare the raw material, and in building the sculpture. The finished piece will remain in place on site, deteriorating in the elements over time.
The Paseo Project is grateful for the collaboration with the Taos Land Trust in hosting Artist Ben Allanoff in the creation of this sculptural installation at the Rio Fernando Park. Through the creation process and after, the Taos community is invited to connect with nature and with one another, reinforcing a sense of shared stewardship for their land and community.
Additional educational and community-building experiences were integral to the project.
The Paseo Project Artist in Residence Program with Ben Allanoff is generously sponsored by
the LOR Foundation, Kathy Sanders, and Revolt Gallery.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Community Workshops
Every Tuesday & Thursday in June | 12 - 3pm | Taos Land Trust’s Rio Fernando Park
Be a part of the creation of this large scale installation! The Community is invited to join ongoing workshops assisting Ben Allanoff in the creation of the Rio Fernando Gathering Place. Work with the artist in the construction, material sourcing, and execution of this unique installation. FREE - reservations required. Email paseo@paseoproject.org.
Twirl's Saturday Art Studio
June 22 | 11 - 1pm | Twirl, 225 Cam De La Placita.
Let your imagination soar! In conjunction with The Harwood’s Block Party, Twirl will host The Paseo Artist in Residence, Ben Allanoff, in their beautiful courtyard. Children of all ages are invited to roll up their sleeves and join Allanoff in creating a large-scale sculpture crafted from invasive plant materials and recycled fabric! It's a unique opportunity to explore art, nature, and community all in one amazing event. Afterwards, you can walk to the Harwood and continue your block party fun!All supplies are provided. FREE. Learn more: https://www.twirltaos.org/
Sol Fest Community
Gathering
June 30 | 11 - 2pm | Taos Land Trust’s Rio Fernando Park
We’re celebrating the last weekend in June with Ben Allanoff with a community day. This all ages event will feature the sculptures created over the four weeks, as well as activities, talks, and performances. Taos Land Trust’s Kid's Sol Fest will be leading sun printing art, solar oven baking, and more. FREE. Location Taos Land Trust Rio Fernando Park: 410 La Posta Road
Featuring: Rian and Maria McGonagall, MovementLab, Paul and Grace Jones, Ben Allanoff, and DanceWorx with Helen, Paxton, Tuesday, Adelaide, Bohdi, and Pearl.
Listen in…
Join Matt Thomas and Contessa Trujillo as they speak with Ben Allanoff, The Paseo Project's Artist in Residence for June 2024. Listen in as Ben discusses his project and collaboration with Taos Land Trust, why he doesn't like the word 'invasive species,' and what he doesn't prepare for in designing his installations.
Artist Bio:
Ben Allanoff is an artist based in Joshua Tree, CA, working in a variety of media, with a particular focus on large scale outdoor art projects that engage the public as collaborators and participants. His projects are designed to connect people to one another and to the natural world. His experience creating public art projects in California, across the US, in Mexico and Spain will inform the RFGP project. As the Paseo Project’s Artist-in-Residence, Allanoff is primarily responsible for the conception and execution of this project.
Additional Photos from Sol Day at Taos Land Trust - Courtesy of Taos Land Trust
