MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – The Middletown Art Center’s new “Art Talks” series will present wood sculptor Marcus Maria Jung on Saturday, July 30, at 6:30 p.m.

Jung was born in Germany, but has lived in California since 1998.

His art studio on Cobb Mountain perished in the Valley fire, but many of his pieces, created from our local forests, survived. Many new ones have been fashioned from the rubble.

Time magazine recently published an excellent article on “The Healing Power of Nature.” It discusses how walking in a forest, breathing its air and hearing the forest’s sounds is good for the human psyche. The article also mentions how beneficial it is even to simply view nature out one’s window.

Jung’s works, known as “Tree Souls,” have been polished to glistening beauty, enhancing their natural contours. But the true wonder is in touching them; one can feel their healing energy.

Holding a small piece induces a state of deep relaxation. The larger pieces are like totems, bringing the awe of nature into our space.

Jung recently returned his “Circle of Elders,” a Stonehenge-like tree installation that was originally created for the EcoArts Sculpture Walk, to Lake County. It was recently the focus of a sunset ceremony on a Malibu beach, hosted by a local gallery there.

He will also be screening his excellent photographs, discussing his artistic inspirations and influences, drawn from his travels around the world. In addition, he’ll discuss the development and refinement of his work processes.

Jung explained, “My sculptures and installations function as a reflection of our relationship with nature, and as a portal to connect to the physical and metaphysical world.”

Several “Tree Souls” sculptures are part of Middletown Art Center’s (MAC) current exhibit, “Multi Lingual.”

Visit the exhibit Fridays from noon to 6 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., or Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. until Aug. 14.

Jung’s presentation will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 30. The suggested donation is $5. Light refreshments will be available.

MAC is an arts nonprofit made by and for community members. The “Art Talks” series will feature artists and aficionados presenting and speaking about painting, sculpture, photography, music, film and other media, detailing themes, techniques and influences.

The EcoArts Sculpture Walk is currently on view at the MAC Art Garden on the corner of Highways 29 and 175 and open dawn to dusk daily. Art Classes for all ages, in a variety of modalities and media are regularly offered. A two-week healing arts program, open and free to the public, will begin Aug. 8. Musical events happen bi-monthly on Friday evenings.

The Middletown Art Center is located at 21456 Highway 175.

Learn more about MAC at www.middletownartcenter.org , call 707-809-8118 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .