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Friends of the late Devan Malore invite the community to join them for a day of outdoor art celebrating one of the more original characters to have made Rockbridge his home.
The free event, dubbed Devan Day, will be held at Boxerwood on Saturday, April 22, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Attendees can purchase original art by Devan, go on a Woodland Art Walk to find pieces he built or placed surreptitiously around the nature center, make new art inspired by his, and participate in outdoor yoga – something Devan enjoyed.
Activities are all drop-in throughout the day with the exception of outdoor yoga, which will be offered by instructor Karen Stanley in a single session starting at 1 p.m.
Malore was perhaps best described in a Facebook post by local caricaturist and friend Josh Ronnenberg as “a wonderful artist, writer, carpenter, monk, poet, and just a beautiful human.”
He was a frequent contributor of letters to the editor of The News-Gazette on myriad subjects, and known for engaging in wide-ranging philosophical and spiritual conversations, one-on one. A nature lover, he served on the board of Rockbridge Conservation and often volunteered his time and skills at Boxerwood.
Devan Malore died in February, leaving behind outof- state family, countless friends made over the years in Rockbridge, and an attentiongrabbing van plastered with political and social bumper stickers that he parked all over downtown Lexington.
Also left behind was a trove of his signature artwork – signs routed out in freehand and sculptures made from recycled materials and reclaimed wood in a pop style reminiscent of Keith Haring. Many of these works will be on display and some will be for sale or silent auction on Devan Day.
Event-goers will have a chance to make their own art with tools and materials Malore used that have been salvaged from his van and various storage places. Fellow artists Susan Harb and Jay Sullivan will assist participants of all ages in using them and demonstrating his methods.
Participants are also encouraged to bring personal or found objects to incorporate in their art, and to contribute additional Devan-favored materials, including scrap wood, screws, and leftover house paint. These items can be left in a supplies trailer that will be parked in the field a week before the event or brought to the field on Devan Day.
Malore the writer was known for using exhortative catchphrases. His slogan, “Yo humans, wake up!” will be printed on t-shirts and posters also for sale at the event.
All proceeds will go to Boxerwood Nature Center and Woodland Garden, a place Malore loved and used as his outdoor gallery. Friends have offered to match the proceeds from his art up to $1,500.
Parking is in the field at the end of Munger Lane, where most of the activities take place. Event-goers are encouraged to bring their own picnic or snacks and refillable water bottles.
While the event itself is free, those who purchase art are encouraged to pay with a personal check. Online credit card payments will also be accepted.
Volunteers are needed to assist with event parking, guiding visitors, selling art and t-shirts, and staffing the art workshop. Anyone interested in helping can send an email message to Louise Ward ([email protected]).
In the event of rain, Devan Day will be postponed to Sunday, April 23. Additional information, weather updates, and photos of Devan’s artwork can be found on Facebook by searching Devan Day 2023.
