The Way of Water: Exploring Local Ecosystems Creative Workshop with Heather Bird Harris and Renee Royale

Wednesday April 17, 2024, 5-6:30pm PT

Hello friends,

I’m sending you all a quick update today about an upcoming workshop next week. Before we get to that, don’t forget that there’s the April Studio Session this Sunday for paid subscribers, a special session with music by

FogChaser

. More info + registration.

Now, on to next week’s event…

How does a local connection to nature and environment serve as a catalyst for staying engaged?

That’s the driving question behind this month’s Create+Engage session, taking place next Wednesday April 17, 5-6:30pm PT. We’ll be joined by artist, writer, and independent curator Renee Royale, and artist, curator, and educator Heather ‘Bird’ Harris.

Study for A Possible Ending (after Revival Ramp), 2024 clay, coal, and wild grape inks, water, Heather Bird Harris

I know Bird thanks to another Creative Fuel connection, wetland ecologist Ashley Booth. Making paint and inks from site-specific earth pigments, she and Ashley collaborated on a project to create art from wetland soil, creatively documenting Louisiana’s eroding coastline. This was my initial entry point to her work, and you can learn more about that in this interview that I did with her last year.

I am so inspired by the work that Bird does, both in what she visually creates as well as the connections that she facilitates in her community. I’m so excited that she brought in Renee for this session. We’ll all be in conversation together, and then Bird will lead us through a hands-on workshop.

“Tell Me Your Names, I Will Bear Witness.” Polaroid Silk Satin Print, Hand-cut Galvanized Steel, Wood. 2022, Renee Royale

If you’re new to the Create+Engage series, these workshops are essentially a creative antidote to apathy: a way to gather together and use art and creativity as a way to connect with community and take action on the issues that we care about. Every month we’re pulling together guest speakers and artists to deep-dive on specific topics of civic engagement. Read more about how the series came together.

Last month our workshop was devoted to zines, and we had such a great time so I am hoping that some of you want to join us for this next session!

The Way of Water: Exploring Local Ecosystems with Heather Bird Harris and Renee Royale, April 17, 5-6:30pm PT. Hosted on Zoom.

People's ability to think creatively is going to be the only way we get out of any mess that other people have created. It’s our ability to deal with these like larger things, in ways we don't even know exist today. 

-Heather Bird Harris

A reminder that all of these Create+Engage sessions are free to attend! It’s really important for me to be able to offer programming like this.

This is a community effort. If you want to help support, here are a few ways.

1. BECOME A PAID SUBSCRIBER TO CREATIVE FUEL

Paid subscribers help make this newsletter and community happen, and as a thank you, you get access to seasonal editions and invites to upcoming virtual studio sessions (like the one this coming Sunday). A portion of paid subscriptions will also be donated every month to an organization chosen by the workshop speakers.

2. MAKE A FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION

You can also support with a financial contribution in any amount. These financial contributions go to paying speaker honorariums, as well as helping us put together our month of creative action later in September.

3. SHARE IT WITH A FRIEND

Know someone who might enjoy this series? Want to bring a friend a friend along to the workshop? Pass this along!

I hope to see some of you there next week!

-Anna

Do you enjoy Creative Fuel? You can support this work by becoming a paid subscriber. You can also order something in my shop, attend one of my workshops or retreats, or buy one of my books. Or simply share this newsletter with a friend!