A new site-specific Sound Garden installation at the Lost 40!
Composer JG Everest’s latest site-specific sound + performance installation is being composed and designed for the old-growth forest in northern Minnesota, known as “The Lost 40” because it was spared the lumber clearcutting of the late 19th century due to a surveying error. (or so the legend goes…) As an extension of his NaturePLACE artist residency that began with the US Forest Service in 2024, Everest has long dreamed of creating one of his spatial “symphonies” for this magical place amongst the towering Red and White Pines that used to dominate the northern Minnesota landscape.
EVENT DETAILS:
LOST 40 SOUND GARDEN – SATURDAY OCT 31, 12-4pm FREE (Rain Date: Sun Nov 1, in case of severe weather)
at The Lost 40, Chippewa National Forest, Blackduck Region
As part of the project, Everest is collaborating with local artists and community members through a series of free, outdoor community Art + Nature workshops held onsite in the Lost 40 forest in the week leading up to the premiere event on Saturday Oct 31.
Site-Specific Art + Nature Workshops (FREE!)
MAKING “NATURE FRAMES” in Nature! Sat Oct 24 10am-12pm (Natural Sculptures Workshop) FREE & FAMILY FRIENDLY!
No experience or materials necessary. Drop-ins Welcome. Led by US Forest Service Naturalist Nicole Dee, participants can make their own “Nature Frame” sculptures using natural materials – sticks and leaves – to create a hanging “stained glass” picture frame to hang in the forest for the Sound Garden event. Participants can make two sculptures to take one home, if they wish.
WHAT TO BRING: Water bottle, bug spray, camp chair / stool, snacks.
SPATIAL SOUNDS & MUSIC in NATURE Saturday Oct 24 2-4pm FREE
No Experience necessary. Learn to listen and hear mother nature’s concert in the forest in new ways! Composer JG Everest leads an outdoor, site-specific spatial sounds in nature workshop, where participants practice “deep listening” techniques and join in creating spontaneous spatial scores with the “Human Windchimes” instrument.
WHAT TO BRING: Water Bottle, comfortable hiking shoes or boots, clothing appropriate for the weather (temps and precipiation). Rain or Shine.
Optional: Participants may bring their own instruments to play at the end of the workshop, but not required.
POETRY in NATURE Sunday Oct 25 12-3pm FREE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER for POETRY WORKSHOP (for weather updates and other details)
No experience necessary. Appropriate for ages 14 & up. Kids under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Explore your own creativity and learn about this amazing old growth forest!
After a guided nature walk led by Chippewa National Forest Naturalist Nicole Dee, and some writing prompts and historical background, participants will choose a spot in the forest to write and then share with the rest of the group. The resulting poems / pieces can optionally be printed and included in the Lost 40 Sound Garden installation that will take place a week later, on Saturday Oct 31. Co-led by Teaching Artists Shanai Matteson (from Fire In The Village) and JG Everest.
WHAT TO BRING: Water Bottle, Camp Chair (if you have one), Writing materials (notebook, journal, pen, pencil, phone, etc) snacks.
Composer JG Everest is a fiscal year 2026 recipient of a Creative Individuals grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
WATCH: A short video about SOUND GARDEN “Poetry in Nature” workshops for more info
Our Site-specific Poetry in Nature workshop at The Lost 40 on Oct 25th – the new pieces will premiere at the Lost 40 Sound Garden on Oct 31!
LOST 40 Sound Garden VISITOR COMMENTS:
“I was surprised with how high quality the sound was. I was expecting it to be live musicians, so when we found out it was a recording I was disappointed- but I shouldn’t have been. It was beautiful and so well done. The poetry interspersed on the trail was beautiful. I wish it had been longer!” – anonymous
“Time stood still in the sound garden. We were there for a good hour and a half. We felt Peaceful. Contemplative. It was a spiritual experience. Forest bathing on steroids—felt connected to the earth. Having the opportunity to visit with the artist/composer, JG Everest, after experiencing the Sound Garden, was a highlight. I was surprised to find artful felt mushrooms and logs, felt fungus on tree trunks, and little surprises tucked into tree trunks. Loved the poetry scattered throughout.” – Sue D.
“All I can say is “thank you” for this marvelous creation – it has been moving and magical. A very good use of tax money!” – anonymous
“Very peaceful experience. Much to see and hear. Thank you!” – Tim W.
“I have been so angry with people these last months, and so sad and disappointed with how we disorder what is beautiful! I am a well educated and thoughtful person, wondering why I bother to care. After a walk through the sound garden, I know I can still contribute to making the world better. This has accomplished what a lot of expensive medical & psychological care struggles to do for our society. I know this because I am an M.D. This is a far better use of tax dollars than many other projects, events, buildings, and investments. DON’T STOP! Art + Nature make / keep us human/e.” – L.L.
“Thank you for this incredible experience. It was a feast for the senses & salve for my soul. Do it again when the birds are back to add to the orchestration of the forest. Add live musicians! Wonderful Experience. – Lynae Nielsen, Cohasset, MN
“Thank you for providing this truly inspirational, emotional healing experience.” – Kim GH
“…Creative souls, enhancing the beauty that surrounds us…”Beauty above us, Beauty below us, Beauty all around us…Sharing intention…may we all slow down, breathe peace and beauty, see with open hearts, eyes, ears, noses…all senses open and absorbing the gifts, the wisdom of Mother Earth. OPen to all that is already here, if we pay attention; listen. Thank you for sharing your gift of music and creativity; with bringing us to Now – to consciousness and intention. Peace & Kindness, Kathryn Enright, Turtle River, MN. (this is my backyard!)”
“Sounds of peace takes everything worrisome away. Perfect place to do meditation. Thank you!” – anonymous
“A ‘lost forest’. A forest I have known my entire life. Ever changing. A forest one never tires of visiting over and over again. Today, with music and quiet — a place of peace. Thank you, Dora Pierson”
“What a lovely, immersive experience on a still autumn day…squirrels chattering amidst orchestrated sounds eminating from every direction. I sit quietly in this amazing, creative theater. Thanks so much – Carolyn Jacobs, Bemidji.”
“I thought I knew who I was, but then the world grew so hard. I wasn’t sure there were enough reasons to continue to love…and then I came here. “ – L
“To share an experience with people & nature, what a blessing.” – Nicole
“Thank you so much for inviting us to share the awe of this previous forest and your music. My heart is whispering…Listen.” – KOE
“I wept when I heard the music.” – Leanne
“It is fun to be here.”
“For Lisa Brown Miller – you would have loved it here – I walk here with you in my mind.” – Anonymous
“Dave, the eyes of the forest are upon us. love always, David V.”
“If I could choose a place for us to meet, it would be here. Soul to Soul. – Bare Beauty.“
“What a marvelous, healing way to combine fresh air, trees and music – the harmony of the soul!” – Debbie (With thanks & gratitude – a place to quiet the mind)