The Schoharie Valley Farm-to-School Project of Cornell Cooperative Extension is holding its first fundraiser. Conducted in partnership with Wellington’s Herbs and Spices, the event will feature local artist Jason Schultz.

A Garden Stroll and Art Opening will be held from Noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 13, at Wellington’s Herbs and Spices on Schoharie’s Rickard Hill Road. The public will be able to meet Schultz, stroll through Wellington’s herb garden and art gallery to see his sculptures of reclaimed metal, wood, and stone, with a chance to buy the pieces as well.

The Tea Room at Wellington’s will have available lunch service, and there will be music, door prizes, and light refreshments offered, without a charge for admission.  A portion of all proceeds from the sales of Schultz’s art works, from the time of the opening on July 13 through the exhibit period ending in September, will benefit the Schoharie Valley Farm-to-School Project, coordinated by Cornell Cooperative Extension Schoharie and Otsego Counties.

Begun in 2007, the local Farm-to-School Project strives to connect children with the source of their food — the farm.

Schultz is an award-winning landscape designer and self-taught artist living in Albany. He currently works at Faddegon's Nursery, doing residential design, retail sales, garden consultations, and lectures. This is Schultz’s first exhibit in the Schoharie County region as well as his first ever solo show.

He welds, grinds, chainsaws, and paints to transform discarded materials into fearsome warriors, robust bird baths, impressive sculptures, and whimsical pooches. His hand carved flutes and figurines will also be on exhibit.

For more information about the garden stroll, art opening and exhibit, contact Schoharie Valley Farm-to-School Project Coordinator, Regina Tillman, by email at rmt371@live.com, or call the office of Cornell Cooperative Extension Schoharie and Otsego Counties at 234-4303 or 296-8310. Owners Carolyn and Frederick Wellington, of Wellington’s Herbs and Spices, may also be reached at 295-7366.