Kevin Lehto is Assistant Recreation Ranger for the Forest Service in the Carson National Forest, Questa District. Based on 20 years with the Forest Service and his life-long love of the outdoors, Kevin mulls over his own reflections on Wilderness, protection and “management”. He skillfully delves into these large topic areas through a series of related evocative questions and answers. Read more….
For Starr, who has lived in Questa, NM for over twenty years, sewing has been a life-long practice. And eventually it led her to wonder: “How would you sew a sunset? Or those Mountains? Or that tree?” A fascination with Mimbres pottery designs got her into drawing. Starr’s Thinking Wilderness contribution emerges from these seemingly disparate interests. Delve into Starr’s exploration: “Wilderness Reveals [Through Mimbres Eyes]”. See more…
“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once [we] grow up.”
― Pablo Picasso
“Seeds: Time Capsules of Wilderness” featured works by over 270 students, preschool through sixth grade, from Questa Alta Vista Elementary, Rio Costilla Southwest Learning Academy, and Arroyos del Norte Elementary schools (see details below). Each student’s work represents a unique expression of the “wild world” of seeds. Check out some of their works here.
Read More…
“Seeds: Time Capsules of Wilderness” explores the wild world of seeds as seen through the young eyes of students from Questa Alta Vista Elementary, Rio Costilla Southwest Learning Academy, and Arroyos del Norte Elementary schools. Before beginning their artworks, students discussed fundamental concepts about seeds and their pivotal role in global ecosystems, and explored seeds with multi-sensory methods and then brought this experience into their artworks about seeds. Read more….
“Thinking Wilderness” kicked-off in spring 2014 with the interdisciplinary science and art education program and exhibition, “Seeds: Time Capsules of Wilderness.” The hands-on program explored the wild world of seeds as seen through young eyes and engaged over 270 students, preschool through sixth grade, from Questa Alta Vista Elementary, Rio Costilla Southwest Learning Academy, and Arroyos del Norte Elementary schools. Learn more about this program and see these young Wilderness Thinkers at work! Read More….
“For Thousands of years, the North American West has lived and evolved with fire as an essential part of the natural environment. Fire has spread with low intensity across the land, recycling nutrients and refreshing the landscape.
In 1910, after the “Big Burn”, which burned an area the size of Connecticut in 36 hours, humans declared war on fire. Now we are realizing that complete fire suppression has left us with unhealthy and overgrown forests…and people continuing to build homes further and further into the wilderness, what we call the “WUI” (Wildland, Urban Interface).”
Join Chris Coté, Taos County Wildland Urban Interface Coorinator, as he delves into this topic in 6 minutes and 40 seconds, PechaKucha style! See the Video and Read More….
Throughout history, artists’ work has been inspired by nature and wilderness and consequently, artists have played an important role in defining our relationship with nature and wilderness. “Thinking Wilderness: The Art Show” was a study of that muse, in the fitting location of Questa, NM.
During the art show, the public was asked to cast votes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. These artists were the winners of these People’s Choice Awards. See awards and Read More….
Remote wild lands have informed the Village of Questa’s history and local wilderness traditions there continue unbroken in many ways. Questa itself is surrounded by some of the most beautiful protected lands in the U.S. “Thinking Wilderness: The Art Show” was a nice fit in the Questa community and shone a spotlight on this continuing legacy.
Hosted and curated by nonprofit LEAP (Land, Experience and Art of Place) and OCHO Art & Event Space, “Thinking Wilderness: The Art Show” featured works by 30 local and regional artists in a variety of two and three dimensional mediums. The show was part of Questa’s participation in the nationwide marking of the 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act and a way for local artists to be involved in this milestone. To learn more about the show, see the artworks and meet some of the artists, Read More….
A reception for “wild” art in Questa!
“Thinking Wilderness: The Art Show” – small works on a big topic
For Immediate Release
Contact: Claire Cote, 575-586-2362 or thinkingwilderness@gmail.com
What: Open Art Exhibition Marking the 50th anniversary of The Wilderness Act
When: Art show reception, August 9, 5 – 8 pm, show runs August 2 – 17, 2014
LEAP’s “Thinking Wilderness” event series turns its attention, this month, to the visual arts!
Throughout history, artists have played an important role in defining our relationship with nature and “wilderness.” Prior to the 1800’s, most Western art was of religious scenes, allegory, or portraiture. Artists such as painters J. M. W. Turner and John Constable in Great Britain, began to rearrange the entire value system of Western culture, adding an element of awe and reverence for the inherent value of nature. In the United States, the work of nineteenth-century painters such as Albert Beirstadt, and Thomas Moran, inspired pride in America’s wild landscapes and an interest in preserving them.
Many artists today continue to build an appreciation for wilderness, offering emotional insights into the legacy of stewardship that is so important to the very self-image of Americans, and certainly to those of us in New Mexico. “Thinking Wilderness: The Art Show” shines a spotlight on this continuing legacy.
Hosted and curated by nonprofit LEAP (Land, Experience and Art of Place) and OCHO Art & Event Space, “Thinking Wilderness: The Art Show” features works by over 25 local and regional artists in a variety of two and three dimensional mediums. The show continues Questa’s participation in the nationwide marking of the 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act, which now protects over 100 million acres of land. Questa itself is surrounded by some of the most beautiful protected lands in the U.S.
“Many artists in our area are inspired by wildness and nature,” says Claire Coté of LEAP. “This show is a study of that muse, in a fitting location. Our goal for the show was to create an opportunity for emerging as well as established artists to come together to express what wilderness means to them.”
The show includes small works by photographers Phil Gruiss and René Janiece, beaded hummingbird sculptures by Audrey Kunkel, a barnwood-framed pastel by Beatrice Miera-Medina, oil on canvas by Robert Perez jr., a bold watercolor abstract by Martha Shepp, Mimbres-inspired ink on paper by Starr, exquisite small collage by Katherine Elmore, textured ceramics by Roderick Oknich, woodblock prints by Christa Marquez, and much more; a wonderful sampling of Northern New Mexico talent!
“We’ve hung some wonderful shows in the past, but the Thinking Wilderness show is one of the most interesting group shows yet,” says OCHO’s Barrie Andrews.
A public reception will be held on Saturday, August 9, from 5 – 8 pm. Hors d’oeuvres, drinks and music (by Bittersweet Highway, and Michael Rael) will add to the celebration. People’s Choice Awards will be announced at the end of the evening.
The “Thinking Wilderness” event series organized by LEAP will continue with the annual NeoRio event at Wild Rivers in the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument on September 6th. This year will feature nationally-known UNM Professor of art, environment, and technology, Andrea Polli.
A unique on-line residency will finish out the 50th anniversary year with local as well as national and even international “thinkers,” each with a week-long platform to share their thoughts, their work, and move the dialog forward for each of us to consider what wilderness means to us.
Remote wild lands have informed Questa’s history, and wilderness traditions continue unbroken in many ways. Plus this area is Taos County’s best kept secret for dramatic hikes and serene camping. Chevron mine or no Chevron mine, they can’t take this away from this dynamic little village.
For more information on “Thinking Wilderness: The Art Show” or to participate in the online residency project go to: http://www.thinkingwilderness.org or call Claire, 575-586-2362.
We would love to see you at the upcoming reception!
Read more about the making of this show here.
Thinking Wilderness 