Ever since the world began, every self-respecting fairy tale has its own enchanted forest, a place of delights where hidden treasures are discovered. Borgo Valsugana, in the province of Trento, also has its own magical wood: it is located in the Val di Sella and takes the name of Arte Sella.
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves him
Since the world began, every self-respecting fairy tale has its own enchanted forest, a place of delights where hidden treasures are discovered. Also Borgo Valsugana, in the province of Trento, has its own magical forest: it is located in the Val di Sella and is called Sella Art.
Born in 1986 thanks to Carlotta Strobele, philosopher of Austrian origin, Emanuele Montibeller, artist from Borgo Valsugana ed Enrico Ferrari, architect, painter and urban planner, three "elves" (they will certainly forgive us if we define them that way) who, driven by the love for nature, have decided to put together their ideas and their knowledge to create Arte Sella.
The path that led to the creation of this unique reality has not always been the simplest, so much so that the expression “making Arte Sella” was for some time used to indicate bizarre and eccentric behaviors; however, over the years the project has acquired more and more credibility, so much so that it has more than twenty people involved in the organization of an art biennial.
Over time it has also come to a diversification of activities: al Artenatura route, which we will talk about shortly, has in fact joined the Malga Costa, which hosts photographic exhibitions and concerts, events and creative workshops dedicated to children, and the LivioRossi spaces, administrative headquarters of the association but also a documentation center for all those, students or simply curious, who are interested in the activities of Arte Sella.
The beating heart of the project, however, is, as mentioned, Artenatura, path between the paths of the southern slope of Mount Armentera, which houses a large number of works of art, created by internationally renowned artists. The particularity of this place, halfway between ecomuseum e park museum, lies in the fact that the works are born in full respect of nature and the surrounding environment, which is an integral part of the walk. In fact, there are three fundamental principles that guide its birth:
- THEartist is not the absolute protagonist, does not impose its will on the elements of the forest, which, a bit like in the Land Art, they themselves become part of the works;
- Nature must be defended, and considered as a source of knowledge;
- The works are born from the landscape but are destined to become part of nature itself.
Most of the works are obviously by sculptural nature (or in any case three-dimensional), since each artist is called to use what he finds inside the forest: stones, leaves, branches, trunks, while much rarer is the use of artificial materials or colors. Once completed, the sculpture remains on the path until the moment in which atmospheric agents do not "consume" it practically making it return to its original state.
A therefore completely eco-sustainable art, which is created by nature but which takes nothing away from nature itself, giving it back everything it had borrowed for its birth. But the surprises do not end there: since it is a completely atypical project (you will certainly have guessed it by now) the works of art are not seen as untouchable objects, on the contrary: every visitor is encouraged to approach the sculpture, to hear the material with which they are made and, even, to make them play, where this is possible.
And, surprise of the surprises, inside the park dogs are also welcome, however, if equipped with a leash (it is better to avoid Fido peeing on a work of art ... natural yes, but not up to this point!).
In the warmer months it is also possible to participate in activities specially designed to fully enjoy the marriage between art and nature. Many are dedicated to children: they range from listening to the sounds of the forest to observing shapes, colors, shapes that are apparently similar but in reality rich in precious differences. A unique way to bring the little ones closer to the beauties of nature, making them become environmentally friendly adults.
Sara Pietrantoni
