What is the Art Line?
The Art Line is a line of walkable, interactive, outdoor artworks stretching across the heart of America on the 39th latitude. Known as Earth Art, these geometric reflections of Nature’s forms and patterns are being created by artists, labyrinth enthusiasts, and local community members in 14 states that stretch from California to New Jersey. Already there are many examples of Earth Art on the Art Line, including labyrinths and the Great Serpent Mounds in south central Ohio.
With art as a conduit, the Art Line fosters a sense of unity and awareness by promoting a series of connections — between the individual and Nature, within the community, and between the communities on the Art Line.
The significance of the 39th parallel
The 39th parallel closely denotes the north/south centerline of the country — truly the heartline of America. Creating a physical line of walkable Art can be viewed as activating the heart meridian, reminding us to return to this powerful connection point within ourselves. Moving our bodies through labyrinths built on the line can amplify or distribute the flow of positive heart energy across the country. Is it a coincidence that Washington DC is on the line?
The Art Line is a band 28 miles wide centered on the 39.1 degree north latitude (38.9 to 39.3 degrees). You can locate where you live by going to Topozone.com, which will give the latitude and longitude of any location in the United States.
The line starts in California and runs through Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and the southern tip of New Jersey on the East Coast.
Origination
Alex Champion is the originator of the idea of the Art Line. It developed from seeing an aerial photo of three earthworks that he created on his land in Mendocino County, California. He discovered that they created a straight line, even though they were invisible to each other from the ground. In the fall of 2000, Alex and Joan Champion and Marilyn Larson met at the Prairie Labyrinth, the home of Toby Evans, outside of Kansas City, MO. There they installed a nine vesica-petaled flower art work designed by Alex. The four developed Alex’s initial idea into the Art Line Project, after realizing that Toby’s and the Champion’s sites were located at the same latitude. Since then many others have built labyrinths and discovered that are on the line. Alex Champion died on November 14, 2021, but his earth knowledge lives on in his books, which are available on Amazon.com.
Prairie Labyrinth owned and photographed by Toby Evans.
How you can help
Our goal is to see installations in each of the 14 states. This is a grass roots effort and anyone can help. If you live on the Art Line and have an interest in labyrinths, consider building one on your property or initiate a community project by finding a suitable site and assisting in the actual construction and fundraising.
There are many Labyrinth Society members who build labyrinths professionally and can be contacted to assist.
If you know of labyrinths or interesting landmarks that are already on the Art Line, or if you build one in the future, please contact us so it can be added to the Art Line website. There cannot be too many labyrinths on the line! In addition, it is most desirable for each site to have a caretaker, who encourages people to actively use it.
Vesica- petaled flower art installation owned and photographed by Toby Evans
For further information, visit Prairie Labyrinth or Toby’s Artline Page