Imagine enjoying a round of miniature golf on a course called "The Putt and the Pendulum," based on the life and writings of Edgar Allan Poe. Local artist John Moser's conceptual plans for this whimsical gem, along with other creative works inspired by Poe, will be part of "Poe's Playground," a 1708 Gallery satellite exhibition at the Linden Row Inn from June 5 to Aug. 25. (Part of the historic hotel is built on grounds that were once maintained by the Ellis family, where the young Poe played with his friend Thomas Ellis.) The curator, Amie Oliver, employed a decidedly 21st-century method as part of the process of gathering artists for this exhibition commemorating a 19th-century icon: She put out a query on Facebook searching for artists who had been influenced by Poe. The show will feature work by Moser, Caryl Burtner, Chris Semtner and Noah Scalin (including original pieces from Scalin's Skull-a-Day project), as well as submissions by other artists from the region. The Linden Row Inn (100 E. Franklin St.) is part of the First Friday circuit, and the lobby is always open. For more information, call 643-1708 or visit 1708gallery.blogspot.com.
