What can an Aspen grove teach us about communication? What can we learn from a flock of geese about collaboration? Or from a mushroom about transformation? How can the natural world—of which we are a part—inspire more creativity in the places we live, work, and play?

Join Maesie Speer for a public conversation that explores these questions and how the landscape of creative spaces is shifting in Oregon communities. Population changes, (dis)investment, public policy or the lack of it, and climate change have all had a hand in opening, closing, and changing places that are important to us culturally and creatively. The natural world is constantly evolving and has much to teach us about living in these times. How can we find inspiration from our natural surroundings? 

Maesie Speer was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, and she is passionate about building inclusive and nurturing creative spaces. She is the programs director at the Caldera Arts Center outside Sisters, where she lives, works, and explores. Her workshop will engage your mind and imagination with creative activities and discussion. Everyone will leave with an object they make during the conversation.

This event is an Oregon Humanities Conversation Project, which brings Oregonians together to talk—across differences, beliefs, and backgrounds—about important issues and ideas.

Free and open to the public.