This summer, join our scientist-in-residence, Dr. Rich Blundell, and visiting artist Rita Leduc for an exciting dive into Oika for Artists. In this course we merge scientific concepts with artists’ lived-experience in nature to strengthen creativity and amplify cultural impact. By positioning contemporary, holistic, scientific understandings adjacent to creative engagement with the outside world, individualized creative practices are supported, enhanced, and empowered.
There are a growing number of us who suspect that the deep intelligence of nature holds the wisdom we need to move through our time of systemic dysfunction and necessary adaptation. Oika is a philosophy that recouples this ecological intelligence of nature to culture through the insights of science and the creativity of artists. Oika for Artists calls upon artists who sense this deep intelligence to imagine a better future and lead the way.
Week one (June 22): Who are you? How did light become you? What is the purpose of your artwork? What does the physics of the early universe tell us about the interconnectivity of all things?
Week two (June 29): Where are you? How did humans join the family of galactic phenomena? How are you connected to your place? What celestial features surround you?
Week three (July 6): A special planet emerges. What is your creative practice? How does life and intelligence flourish here? How is your practice connected to who and where you are?
Week four (July 13): What does it mean to be prosperous? What does it mean to be an Earthling? How does who, where, and how you are relate to your creative prosperity? How do Earthlings hold within them the creativity and prosperity of all humanity? What can we do with it?
Optional engagements:
*A weekly “studio hour” for in-depth conversation on individual artwork and practices. Time TBD
**In-person, on-island experiences that guide participants in direct engagement and co-creation with place. July 8 & 9
This course is designed for self-identifying adult creatives of any discipline. The format includes viewing and discussing short films, online conversation, and individual practices. This program meets weekly on Zoom from 6pm - 7:30pm. Pre-Registration is Required for this progressive workshop which is a 4 week series.
Cost per-participant: $150
Registration deadline: June 21st, 2023 (6pm)
Program dates: June 22, 29, July 6 and 13
Contact email: rblundell@mariamitchell.org
Cancellation and Refund Policy: We understand that plans change! Because we are a small non-profit that benefits from the contributions made by our generous patrons and supporters, cancellations make it more challenging for us to manage program enrollment. Tickets are non-refundable, should you choose to cancel. However, tickets are eligible for an exchange before the date and time of the scheduled program subject to a $5 rescheduling service fee, per reservation, and program availability. If you wish to reschedule, please contact us at info@mariamitchell.org.
In the event of a complete event or program cancellation by us ticket-holders will receive a ticket exchange or refund. Requests for exchanges or refunds must be made in writing, and received, no more than seven days from the date printed on the ticket. Rescheduling is not guaranteed and is based on current availability. No refund or credit will be given if the ticket holder requests a time that is unavailable for any reason.
All offerings are subject to cancellation by the MMA at any time, with or without notice for reasons deemed necessary by the organization. In the event of a cancellation by us, we will make every effort to provide a ticket exchange at an amenable date and time to both parties and if we cannot, we will refund the purchase and credit the original payment method.