Middle Township High School Walkable Labyrinth Now Open

Middle Township High School’s officially unveiled their walkable labyrinth during a brief ceremony held on June 10. The structure is nestled directly behind the high school and Performing Arts Center.

More than 40 guests attended the ribbon cutting and heard remarks from Superintendent Dr. David Salvo, Business Administrator Dr. Diane Fox, and labyrinth creator and art teacher Karen Biederman.

The project was a true group effort that included the administration, students, and faculty, along with the local businesses and community members who donated materials, time, and service.

“I’m so incredibly thankful to everyone who helped make this project a reality and I’m excited for everyone to experience this healing space,” said Biederman. “Thank you for allowing art to become a legacy.”

Local clergy members spoke and offered a blessing to the structure and those who use it. After the ceremony, guests were able to walk the path.

Created as a space for students to reflect, release stress, and enhance overall well-being, the labyrinth is also open to the community. The project was designed by Biederman and funded through a $10,000 grant from the Artists in Education Residency Program, a joint effort of the NJ State Council on the Arts and Young Audiences Arts for Learning NJ & Eastern PA. The grant allowed Biederman to bring Marilyn Keating of Gloucester City aboard as an artist-in-residence to assist in the construction and installation.

Biederman, Keating and the students began designing pavers for the labyrinth in fall 2019. The project was expected to be finished in May 2020, but the pandemic put the project on hold.

Although it took two years to complete, the longer timeline gave more students the opportunity to participate and leave their artwork as a legacy.

Biederman and the high school hope to eventually expand on the space.