Artful blooms: The Zoar Garden Tour is June 19

On Saturday, June 19, gardens, art and music will come together at Beyond the Fences of Zoar: Garden Tour. Themed “Artful Blooms,” this year’s event was inspired by the beauty of nature and the outdoor spaces of Zoar.

The day will start at 11 a.m. and run until 4 p.m. Eight private gardens and two public gardens, the Historic Zoar Garden, and the spring lot will be open for touring.

This year’s tour also will feature demonstrations by 20 artists and artisans throughout the village. “We’re excited to have Dee Grossman here this year,” said Tammy Shrum, site director for Historic Zoar Village. “Dee will be throwing pottery behind the sewing house.”

Other featured artists include Andy Donaldson Photography, Brenda South demonstrating weaving and Tina Lawver, a mixed media artist whose work often focuses on nature themes including birds, fish and other animals.

“I work in acrylic and oils and often use other elements in my work to create depth including mark making and collage,” Lawver said.

In addition, Jill Harshey of Zoar will demonstrate the art of batik in her garden, which also is open for tours. Kim Klingaman will be in her garden to perform rug hooking.

Other private gardens open for the tour include the Eddy home, an original Zoar dwelling; the Good residence, the original Assembly House; and the Geis home, the original Treasurer’s House.

Music will fill the air from 11:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. when the Tuscarawas Philharmonic “Azure Strings” Quartet performs a mix of classical, pop, movie music and fiddle tunes in the historic Zoar Garden.

The artisan demonstration and classical music are new additions to this year’s ticket. “It’s a really nice blend of elements this year,” Shrum said.

Those who attend can grab a bite from the Grosenbaugh Farms food truck. “We grow our own corn outside Louisville, Ohio for our fresh kettle corn and caramel corn,” Tom Grosenbaugh said. “We’ll also have chicken strips, fresh-cut fries, Italian sausage, corndogs, funnel cake and fresh-squeezed lemonade.”

Historic buildings and other attractions

Zoar’s historic museums will be open for free tours throughout the day for garden tour ticket holders. The Zoar Gartenhaus will sell house plants, succulents, and outdoor flowers and plants.

The Zoar Store, Zoar Bakery, Stars of Zoar Artisan Co-op and a few private antique shops also will be open.

Zoar’s free Speaker Series will be held simultaneously with the garden tour at 11 a.m. in the historic Zoar school house. Patricia Edmonson, curator of costumes and textiles for Cleveland’s Museum of Natural and Cultural History Advisory Council, will appear for a virtual presentation. Edmonson will present the history of fashion among Cleveland trendsetters through images and stories from the council’s collection.

Ticket prices are $10 per person and include all activities. Children age 12 and under are admitted free. All event proceeds are used in the preservation of the village’s garden, buildings and heritage.

For more information call 330-874-3011 or visit www.facebook.com/HistoricZoarVillage/.