HANDS MEET EARTH
A unique opportunity for inquiring artists!
The Hands Meet Earth project and exhibition at MAC offer a unique opportunity for artists to engage with researchers to explore the intersection of science and art, deepening appreciation of both fields and the parallels between the scientific and artistic processes of inquiry. |
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The project and exhibit offer a platform for artworks inspired by scientific research. These will be auctioned to benefit University of California Cooperative Extension's (UCCE) initiatives. Artists gain exposure and financial support for their creative endeavors, while scientists receive recognition and support for their research projects.
The exhibition at MAC will give artistic expression to place-based scientific studies of biological influences and actions that impact our local ecology, economy, and community development. Selected artists will be paired with one of the advisors and projects below.
Each advisor’s work provides a rich foundation for artistic exploration, offering insights into the science behind local ecology, agriculture, and community development. Through this collaboration, artists and scientists will deepen the connection between the natural environment and cultural expression and bring this into public attention and awareness.
Artists are invited to submit an application detailing their interest in exploring one or more of the research topics with the scientists below. Please include a brief explanation of your motivation and at least one sample of your work that demonstrates how you use art as a tool to question, understand, and reflect on subject matter.
The exhibition at MAC will give artistic expression to place-based scientific studies of biological influences and actions that impact our local ecology, economy, and community development. Selected artists will be paired with one of the advisors and projects below.
Each advisor’s work provides a rich foundation for artistic exploration, offering insights into the science behind local ecology, agriculture, and community development. Through this collaboration, artists and scientists will deepen the connection between the natural environment and cultural expression and bring this into public attention and awareness.
Artists are invited to submit an application detailing their interest in exploring one or more of the research topics with the scientists below. Please include a brief explanation of your motivation and at least one sample of your work that demonstrates how you use art as a tool to question, understand, and reflect on subject matter.
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PROJECTS and ADVISORS:
FORESTRY | FIRE ECOLOGY Dr. Michael I. Jones Forestry Health and Prescribed Burning Advisor Mendocino, Lake and Sonoma Counties celake.ucanr.edu/Staff/?facultyid=40642 Michael Jones' work focuses on forest health and the use of prescribed burning as a land management tool to reduce wildfire risks and improve ecosystem resilience. His research delves into sustainable forestry practices that help mitigate the impacts of climate change on local woodlands. Artists interested in collaborating with Michael can explore how fire, both as a destructive force and a tool for ecological balance, plays a role in the life cycles of forests. WATER QUALITY I CLIMATE CHANGE
Dr. Laura Garza-Diaz Water Quality, Quantity, and Climate Change Advisor Mendocino, Lake and Sonoma Counties UCCE Mendocino Water Resources celake.ucanr.edu/Staff/?facultyid=51902 Laura Garza-Diaz’s work centers on water resource management in the context of climate change. She explores the impact of droughts, water shortages, and climate variability on local ecosystems and agricultural systems. Artists can delve into themes related to the scarcity of water, its preciousness in maintaining biodiversity, and the cultural significance of water conservation in both rural and tribal communities. 
VITICULTURE
Christopher C. Chen, Ph.D Integrated Vineyard Systems Advisor Mendocino, Lake and Sonoma Counties celake.ucanr.edu/Staff/?facultyid=48685 Chris Chen’s expertise in viticulture involves studying drought-resistant grape varieties and improving water use efficiency in vineyards. His work supports the wine industry in Northern California by addressing climate resilience and sustainable wine production. Artists might explore the transformation of land into vineyards, the deep relationship between grapes and their environment, and how sustainable practices influence both the ecology and economy of the region. 
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DIVERSIFIED AGRICULTURE
Dr. Clebson Gomes Goncalves Diversified Agriculture Advisor celake.ucanr.edu/Staff/?facultyid=49644 Clebson Goncalves’ program emphasizes diversified agriculture, focusing on improving farming practices and boosting local economies by promoting sustainable, multi-crop farming systems. His work includes soil health, crop diversity, and the integration of technology in farming. Artists may be inspired by how diverse agricultural practices sustain both land and community livelihoods, visualizing the harmony between tradition and innovation in agriculture. 
BENEFICIAL BURNING I LAND STEWARDSHIP Ally Sung-Jereczek M.S. Beneficial Burning and Land Stewardship Advisor celake.ucanr.edu/Staff/?facultyid=53034 Ally Sung-Jereczek’s work focuses on integrating fire ecology practices with environmental justice, ensuring that Tribal sovereignty is respected while enhancing forest resilience. Through work with Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, she developed collaborative models for fire stewardship and co-management of forest ecosystems. In her work with the Western Forest Fire Initiative,vshe identified barriers to cultural burns and opportunities for policy change and co-management agreements between Tribes and federal agencies. |
In 2024-25 Sung-Jereczek will focus on building relationships with local Tribal leaders and communities to learn from them about their land tending practices, and to identify where UCCE can provide support. Her work will include land stewardship site visits, listening sessions, needs assessments, and asset mapping to identify the strengths, challenges, and goals of each community related to land stewardship and fire resilience. Ally aims to collaboratively develop strategies for land management that incorporate cultural knowledge and contemporary ecological practices, supporting Tribal goals and ensuring that Tribal sovereignty is at the forefront of all initiatives.
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MASTER GARDENER PROGRAM
https://celake.ucanr.edu/master_gardener/ Louis Pagone Advisor https://celake.ucanr.edu/Staff/?facultyid=46339 The Master Gardener Program provides education on sustainable gardening and community horticulture. It promotes environmentally friendly gardening techniques and fosters community engagement through hands-on gardening projects. Artists might draw inspiration from the transformation of small-scale gardens into flourishing ecosystems, symbolizing the nurturing of both plants and community. |
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4-H PROGRAM (YOUTH DEVELOPMENT)
https://celake.ucanr.edu/4-H_Program/ Jean Gouart Advisor https://celake.ucanr.edu/Staff/?facultyid=50825 The 4-H Youth Development Program, which focuses on building leadership, citizenship, and life skills in youth through hands-on projects, often connected to agriculture, science, and environmental stewardship. Artists can explore themes of youth empowerment, the passing of knowledge between generations, and the relationship between young people and the natural world. |
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Collaborations will foster a symbiotic relationship among artists, scientists, and the community. The community benefits from increased awareness and engagement with important local environmental issues, as well as the opportunity to contribute to meaningful scientific advancements through their participation in the auction. This exhibit links and highlights the interconnectedness of our efforts to enhance both cultural and environmental stewardship.
The immersive experience will inspire the creation of at least one central art piece in which the artist will capture the essence of the advisor's project and field of expertise. Selected artists will also meet with MAC's Artistic Director in person, on zoom, or by phone at least once per month leading up to the exhibit to discuss progress.
Each central piece will be on view at MAC as part of the Hands Meet Earth exhibit and be part of an ongoing silent and later live auction at the end of the exhibit to support the UCCE advisor’s research project in February at the Soper Reese Theatre. Additional pieces or studies may also be exhibited at MAC and be available for sale or silent auction.
The minimum bid price will be based on the lowest amount the artist is willing to accept for their work and will include a reduced percentage for MAC. If the minimum bid price is not met during the exhibit, MAC may waive its percentage and will discuss with the artist the possibility of lowering the starting price for the live auction. This approach ensures that while the artwork’s starting price may be adjusted, the artist will still receive the amount they are guaranteed.
We expect the exhibit to take place in April 2025, and for work to be on view for 6-12 weeks TBD as soon as possible.
If you are interested, please fill the form linked here to apply by Nov. 22.
Please apply only if you agree to the terms of this draft outlining the project
Email info@middletownartcenter.org or text/call 707-355-4465 with questions.
The immersive experience will inspire the creation of at least one central art piece in which the artist will capture the essence of the advisor's project and field of expertise. Selected artists will also meet with MAC's Artistic Director in person, on zoom, or by phone at least once per month leading up to the exhibit to discuss progress.
Each central piece will be on view at MAC as part of the Hands Meet Earth exhibit and be part of an ongoing silent and later live auction at the end of the exhibit to support the UCCE advisor’s research project in February at the Soper Reese Theatre. Additional pieces or studies may also be exhibited at MAC and be available for sale or silent auction.
The minimum bid price will be based on the lowest amount the artist is willing to accept for their work and will include a reduced percentage for MAC. If the minimum bid price is not met during the exhibit, MAC may waive its percentage and will discuss with the artist the possibility of lowering the starting price for the live auction. This approach ensures that while the artwork’s starting price may be adjusted, the artist will still receive the amount they are guaranteed.
We expect the exhibit to take place in April 2025, and for work to be on view for 6-12 weeks TBD as soon as possible.
If you are interested, please fill the form linked here to apply by Nov. 22.
Please apply only if you agree to the terms of this draft outlining the project
Email info@middletownartcenter.org or text/call 707-355-4465 with questions.
