NANTUCKET, MA— The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) announces that it will offer the program “Oika for Artists” beginning June 22, 2023. The program is a four-part series of virtual workshops, led by the MMA Scientist-In-Residence, Dr. Rich Blundell, and visiting artist Rita Leduc, and will dive into the principles and practices of Oika, which refers to the relational intelligence of nature that can be perceived and expressed through humans.

In this course, we merge scientific concepts with artists’ lived-experience in nature to strengthen creativity and amplify cultural impact. By positioning contemporary, holistic, and scientific understandings adjacent to creative engagement with the outside world, individualized creative practices are supported, enhanced, and empowered.

· Week One (June 22): Who are you? How did light become you? What is the purpose of your artwork? What does the physics of the early universe tell us about the interconnectivity of all things?

· Week Two (June 29): Where are you? How did humans join the family of galactic phenomena? How are you connected to your place? What celestial features surround you?

· Week Three (July 6): A special planet emerges. What is your creative practice? How does life and intelligence flourish here? How is your practice connected to who and where you are?

· Week Four (July 13): What does it mean to be prosperous? What does it mean to be an Earthling? How does who, where, and how you are relate to your creative prosperity? How do Earthlings hold within them the creativity and prosperity of all humanity? What can we do with it?

Optional engagements:

*A weekly “studio hour” for in-depth conversation on individual artwork and practices. Time TBD.

**In-person, on-island experiences that guide participants in direct engagement and co-creation with place. July 8 and 9.

This course is designed for self-identifying adult creatives of any discipline. The format includes viewing and discussing short films, online conversation, and individual practices. This program meets weekly on Zoom from 6pm - 7:30pm. Pre-Registration is required for this progressive workshop which is a 4-week series. To register, please visit this page.

Cost per-participant: $150

Registration deadline: June 21, 2023 (6pm)

Program dates: June 22, 29, July 6 and 13

Contact email: rblundell@mariamitchell.org

The Maria Mitchell Association was founded in 1902 to preserve the legacy of Nantucket native astronomer, naturalist, librarian, and educator, Maria Mitchell. After she discovered a comet in 1847, Mitchell’s international fame led to many achievements and awards, including an appointment as the first female professor of astronomy at Vassar College. Maria Mitchell believed in “learning by doing” and today that philosophy is reflected in the MMA’s mission statement, programs, research projects, and other activities. The Maria Mitchell Association operates two observatories, a natural science museum, an aquarium, a research center, and preserves the historic birthplace of Maria Mitchell. A wide variety of science and history-related programming is offered throughout the year for people of all ages.

###

For Immediate Release

June 15, 2023

Contact: Molly Mosscrop,

mmosscrop@gmail.com