ARTICLE
July 15, July 28, August 11, August 25, Sept 8, 2021 at 5:30-7:00 pm (Falmouth, Massachusetts): Highfield Hall & Gardens is pleased to announce a special summer series of conversations about art and science addressing ecological issues of the day. The series is being held in collaboration with the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL), Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), and the Woodwell Climate Research Center (Woodwell). Each conversation will explore the synergies between art and science as a way to communicate important issues surrounding the environment and planetary health while inspiring change and stimulating action. In conjunction with two exhibitions at Highfield, SEAChange: Meditations on Sustainability and Turn the Tide: Courtney Mattison, participating artists and scientists will discuss a range of topics, including ocean acidification and coral bleaching, biofuels and the Blue Economy, mapping as an artform and a communication tool, plastics in the ocean, and art as means to amplify science and transform how we learn about the world. The series will launch on Thursday, July 15, when Courtney Mattison, internationally recognized artist, and ocean advocate, will discuss “Uniting Art and Science to Conserve Our Changing Seas.” Her hand-crafted, intricately detailed ceramic sculptural works are inspired by the fragile beauty of coral reefs and the human-caused threats they face. She uses her work to raise awareness for the protection of our blue planet, urging policy makers and the public to conserve our vital and changing seas. In this talk Mattison tells the story of how she arrived at this intersection of art and science, creating monumental artwork for projects around the world aimed at inspiring hope, action, and community engagement. The series will be held under the tent at Highfield Hall from 5:30-7:00 pm. Admission to series is FREE, pre-registration required. Visit our website to register and for more information – www.highfieldhallandgardens.org Schedule of Dates: • Thursday, July 15 – Courtney Mattison, artist, Uniting Art & Science to Conserve Our Changing Seas • Wednesday, July 28 – Emil Ruff, MBL scientist • Wednesday, August 11 – Loretta Roberson, MBL scientist & Scott Lindell, WHOI scientist • Wednesday, August 25 – Gregory Fiske, cartographer, Woodwell Center • Wednesday, September 8 – Heather Goldstone, Woodwell Center, Justin Brice, Woodwell Center artist in residence & Konrad Hughen, scientist, WHOI Creating a Climate for Change through Art and Science is sponsored by the Woods Hole Foundation and the Brabson Library and Educational Foundation. Turn the Tide: Courtney Mattison is a collaboration between Highfield Hall & Gardens and the Marine Biological Laboratory. The exhibition is sponsored by the Brabson Library and Educational Foundation, The Martha’s Vineyard Bank Charitable Foundation, and the Woods Hole Foundation. Gallery Hours Highfield Hall will follow health safety protocols with regards to the number of people in the gallery at one time. Tuesday – Friday, 10 am – 4 pm Saturday – Sunday, 10 am – 2 pm Grounds open daily, year-round from dawn to dusk. About Highfield Hall & Gardens The house is a rare surviving example of transitional Stick Style architecture, containing beautiful gardens located in the heart of Falmouth, Massachusetts. It is a unique combination of a historic house, expansive gardens and trails, and a vibrant cultural center. Built in 1878 as the summer home for Boston's Beebe family, the house sits on 5.5 pristine acres surrounded by nearly 400 acres of conservation land and public walking trails. Highfield Hall & Gardens is not your typical historic estate. It is an example of a historic building saved by grassroots community organizing. An effort of tenacity and vision that continues as new research on the structure and its story of the people who lived here add to the building's significance. It offers world-class music, international art exhibitions, culinary classes, family programs, and year- round special events. For more information, visit www.highfieldhallandgardens.org.