~ Special Gatherings Week 1 ~
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QUICK LINKS TO OVERVIEW PAGES
Special Gatherings | Distinctive Lectures | Literary/Performance Arts, Film | Music
Dance | Human Arts | Youth Program | Visual Arts
View the Common Ground on the Hill Catalog as a PDF HERE.
QUICK LINKS TO OVERVIEW PAGES
Special Gatherings | Distinctive Lectures | Literary/Performance Arts, Film | Music
Dance | Human Arts | Youth Program | Visual Arts
View the Common Ground on the Hill Catalog as a PDF HERE.
The Search for Common Ground
In this, our flagship class, we draw from our experience as artists and human beings to have a dialog arising from our life together here and in the larger society. In an atmosphere of trust and safety, and inspired by song 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 twenty-fifth summer in the midst of a world experiencing continuing financial and ecological crises, wars, growing nuclear threats, racial crises, the continued unveiling of systemic abuse, issues of immigration and the omnipresent threat of terror, both foreign and domestic. 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. To inspire us and help focus our dialog, we will learn of the work of some of those in our circle. On Monday, in the wake of rampant elimination of arts in the schools, filmmaker Leo Eaton will address about how best the arts on screen can help today’s youth better appreciate and understand the vital role art plays in human existence. On Tuesday, Monday evening’s keynote speaker Sheila Arnold Jones, through story and song, will revisit her presentation about arts communities working to make history relevant. On Wednesday, Eglee Zent will explore Western notions of nature and Amerindian alternatives, with a focus on the the Jotï, an Amazonian group whom she has studied for the last two decades. On Thursday, Carol Zaru will illuminate the remarkable 150-year history of the Ramallah Friends School which continues to distinguish itself as an “oasis of hope” for the Palestinian people. On Friday, Charlie Collyer and Pam Zappardino of the Zepp Center for Peace and Nonviolence Education will bring us up to speed about their work in our community and beyond. Come to this class seeking knowledge and change, inspiring ourselves and others to walk that path. Period 5 ~ Walt Michael ~ Facilitator
In this, our flagship class, we draw from our experience as artists and human beings to have a dialog arising from our life together here and in the larger society. In an atmosphere of trust and safety, and inspired by song 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 twenty-fifth summer in the midst of a world experiencing continuing financial and ecological crises, wars, growing nuclear threats, racial crises, the continued unveiling of systemic abuse, issues of immigration and the omnipresent threat of terror, both foreign and domestic. 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. To inspire us and help focus our dialog, we will learn of the work of some of those in our circle. On Monday, in the wake of rampant elimination of arts in the schools, filmmaker Leo Eaton will address about how best the arts on screen can help today’s youth better appreciate and understand the vital role art plays in human existence. On Tuesday, Monday evening’s keynote speaker Sheila Arnold Jones, through story and song, will revisit her presentation about arts communities working to make history relevant. On Wednesday, Eglee Zent will explore Western notions of nature and Amerindian alternatives, with a focus on the the Jotï, an Amazonian group whom she has studied for the last two decades. On Thursday, Carol Zaru will illuminate the remarkable 150-year history of the Ramallah Friends School which continues to distinguish itself as an “oasis of hope” for the Palestinian people. On Friday, Charlie Collyer and Pam Zappardino of the Zepp Center for Peace and Nonviolence Education will bring us up to speed about their work in our community and beyond. Come to this class seeking knowledge and change, inspiring ourselves and others to walk that path. Period 5 ~ Walt Michael ~ Facilitator
Community Song Choir
Join song leaders John Kirk and Trish Miller in an hour of group singing every evening immediately after the dinner hour and just before the evening concert. The choir will learn plenty of songs in preparing to sing a song or two for the Friday evening concert. Bring your voice and your desire to sing to this inspiring gathering. All voices are welcome! After dinner (6:45–7:45 PM) led by John Kirk and Trish Miller
Join song leaders John Kirk and Trish Miller in an hour of group singing every evening immediately after the dinner hour and just before the evening concert. The choir will learn plenty of songs in preparing to sing a song or two for the Friday evening concert. Bring your voice and your desire to sing to this inspiring gathering. All voices are welcome! After dinner (6:45–7:45 PM) led by John Kirk and Trish Miller

Keynote Lecture ~ The Arts Community: Making History Relevant to the Future. Sheila Arnold
Through story and song, storyteller Sheila Arnold will emphasize that the more we collaborate within the greater Arts Community, the more we can help our country and future generations value the importance of knowing our history. She will present part of her historical storytelling program, "Locks Opened: Chesapeake Waterways Use in the Underground Railroad," connecting African American slaves’ quest for freedom to today’s immigrants’ desire for acceptance in a country that might open its doors to freedom seekers. "We know that remembering is an act of defiance and resistance to forces that have tried to get us to forget or remain silent.” ~ Rev. Deborah Lee Alumni Hall Monday, June 24, 8 PM
Sheila Arnold's presentation will be the subject of Tuesday’s Search for Common Ground class, McDaniel Lounge. Tuesday, June 25, 4 PM
Through story and song, storyteller Sheila Arnold will emphasize that the more we collaborate within the greater Arts Community, the more we can help our country and future generations value the importance of knowing our history. She will present part of her historical storytelling program, "Locks Opened: Chesapeake Waterways Use in the Underground Railroad," connecting African American slaves’ quest for freedom to today’s immigrants’ desire for acceptance in a country that might open its doors to freedom seekers. "We know that remembering is an act of defiance and resistance to forces that have tried to get us to forget or remain silent.” ~ Rev. Deborah Lee Alumni Hall Monday, June 24, 8 PM
Sheila Arnold's presentation will be the subject of Tuesday’s Search for Common Ground class, McDaniel Lounge. Tuesday, June 25, 4 PM