The live satellite feed from California of the national Bioneers conference was projected onto the domed ceiling of the University of Louisville’s Rauch Planetarium. A nice cheer and applause followed the mention of the City of Louisville as being one of the participating cities in the 20th anniversary of this event. Bioneers are people who are social and scientific innovators engaged in the tough challenges that affect us as a result of our rough treatment of the very Earth that sustains us. I was honored to be asked to participate in the Bluegrass Bioneers which was a three day connection to the national event.
The Bluegrass Bioneers are people who are truly trying to make a difference globally by acting locally. Several of the Kentucky sessions revolved around the issues of coal and the consequences that result to people and planet from relying on this fossil fuel. Sustainability and wise land use were frequent themes among the dozens of presentations that were given by experts in their fields. There was a creative mix of round table discussions, films and documentaries, lectures, music and more that kept things lively and interesting. Despite the daunting environmental challenges that face all of us, there was an upbeat and optimistic attitude around this event as people networked and strategize on what to do next.
Partly as a result of this blog, I was asked to show a few of my artworks and give a talk about my Falls of the Ohio Project. Here’s an image of my absurd works in the planetarium that were temporarily relieved of their duty of insulating my basement. I gave a PowerPoint presentation showing my art in its river context and was really surprised when 25 people showed up on a beautiful Sunday morning to check it out. According to my son Michael, I probably had a few slides I could have done without, but each time I give this show it will get a little better as a presentation. With hope, maybe a few people sitting in the audience might think to engage the world using their own innate creativity. Of the sessions I watched, the plenary talk given by artist Lily Yeh was the most inspiring. Her projects in Philadelphia and Rwanda demonstrate in the most positive way the transformative power of art.
I would like to thank Ben Evans for inviting me, “Crow Holister” for the recommendation, and the University of Louisville, Rauch Planetarium, and the University of Louisville Center for Environmental Education for helping to organize and host this event. I enjoyed the opportunity to share what I do and to make new friends!
Artist at Exit 0 Riverblog 