Vegetal Encounters Summer Intensive
2021– 2023
The Summer Intensive was programmed as part of the Vegetal Encounters Residency with the UBC Outdoor Art Program, Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery.
With the Fireweed Fields grassy meadows in front of the Belkin serving as a site for gathering and reflection, Holly Schmidt invited researchers and artists to come together for two full days in July 2021 and again in June 2022 to slow down and meet across disciplines. It presented a dedicated time to engage in creative experimentation that focused attention to learning from plant life. Both Intensives included moments of organized walks, sensory exercises and discussion as well as time for independent creative work and reflection.
Schmidt’s intent was to provide space and time for participants to reflect upon some of the most pressing issues of our time. With sensorial exercises designed to hone our ability for attentiveness, we left feeling better equipped for a level of caring that exceeds our individual needs. We were reminded that to effectively face the current climate emergency, it requires a deep commitment to collaboration and respectful consideration of expertise from multiple perspectives and areas of study.
2021 Participants: Claudia Krebs, Michelle LeBaron, Linda Nowlan, Natalie Purschwitz, Genevieve Robertson, Daisy Rosenblum, Marina Roy, Rena Sharon, Chrystal Sparrow, Jay White and Rita Wong.
2022 Participants: Xinwei Che, Barbara Cole, Claudia Krebs, Sara MacLellan, Linda Nowlan, Natalie Purschwitz, Rena Sharon, Sheryda Warrener, Jay White, Rita Wong and Reyhan Yazdani.
2023 Participants: Xinwei Che, Barbara Cole, Lindsay Cuff, Claudia Krebs, Sara MacLellan, Linda Nowlan, Natalie Purschwitz, Rena Sharon, Sheryda Warrener, Jay White, and Daisy Rosenblum.
The Vegetal Encounters Residency and related projects have been made possible with funding through UBC’s Matching Fund for Outdoor Art through Infrastructure Impact Charges. The Belkin gratefully acknowledges the support of Canada Council for the Arts, the Province of British Columbia through the BC Arts Council, and their Belkin Curator’s Forum Members.
Photo Credit: Rachel Topham