In this, our flagship class, we draw from our experience as artists and human beings to have a dialogue arising from our life together here in community and in the larger society. In an atmosphere of trust and safety, and inspired by song, images and story, we will listen to and learn from the voices of our sisters and brothers from communities represented in our circle. We gather at Common Ground on the Hill in our 30th summer in the midst of a world stricken by climate disasters while trying to emerge from a four-year pandemic, financial and ecological crises, wars, neverending nuclear threats, racial crises, the continued unveiling of systemic abuse, issues of immigration and survival, the omnipresent threat of terror both foreign and domestic, and counter-productive divisive politics. Yet, we also find ourselves at a time of potential for great, needed change. We shall discuss and consider what we are doing, as artists and individuals, to bring about the changes and create the communities that we desire.
Facilitated by Walt Michael.
Traditions Week 1 :
Niccolo Seligmann bringing Medieval Perspectives on Modern Crises into clear focus.
Tuesday will feature a discussion and Q & A with author Christine Keiner, composer Bill Troxler and filmmaker Richard Anderson about Monday evening’s keynote address, the documentary, A Passion for Oysters.
Wednesday master storyteller Sheila Arnold share how stories inspire and embrace us.
On Thursday, playwright and Prince George’s County Poet Laureate Khadijah Ali-Coleman will discuss her Impact Storytelling.
On Friday, presenter and recipient of this year’s Robert H. Chambers Award, Lea Gilmore, will reflect on her advocacy for world citizens through song.
Traditions Week 2 Speakers:
On Monday, Palestinian-American Quaker and McDaniel Lecturer, Carol Zaru, will discuss her passion for teaching Arabic as a window into the cultural diversity within the Arab world.
Tuesday’s class offers the opportunity to discuss Monday night’s keynote address with Shura Wallin, Randy Mayer and filmmaker David Damian Figueroa.
On Wednesday, Cherokee potter Lillie Vann, granddaughter of Cherokee potter and Living Treasure Jane Osti, will discuss the artistic legacy that she has inherited, connecting ancient Mississippian and prehistoric southeastern woodland traditions to her evolving work.
Thursday will feature songwriter Kristen Grainger as we learn about She’s Speaking, a response to the under representation of women across all aspects of the music industry.
Friday’s presenter and recipient of this year’s Robert H. Chambers Award, Lea Gilmore, will reflect on her life-long advocacy for world citizens through song.
