Ranch set to host lecture series

Sisters will be host to an upcoming lecture series with the theme of “Coexistence and Regeneration.”

Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts and Agriculture (PMRCAA), a working ranch in Sisters, Oregon focused on arts, agricultural, and ecological projects, and The Roundhouse Foundation, which supports innovative programs in Oregon’s rural communities, are offering the program.

The theme is also the focus of this year’s artist in residency program at the Ranch, and seeks to offer a more expansive perspective that recognizes the power of diverse ways of knowing and being. Lecturers in the upcoming series offer perspectives from across the arts, humanities, and environmental sciences to share their knowledge and experiences on connecting history, living culture, and ecology.

Ana Varas, Arts Projects Coordinator for PMRCAA, said, “Our selected speakers are a great fit for our program theme this year, helping to provide fresh perspectives and new connections. Here at the Ranch, we concern ourselves with how to instill ethical relations of production and explore the role artists, culture bearers, scientists, scholars, and researchers play in nourishing radical imagination and facilitating transformative change. The lecture series will help bring these concepts to life over the next few months.”

“Coexistence and Regeneration: Connecting history, living culture and ecology” is set for April 28, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Sisters School District Administration Building, 525 E. Cascade Ave. Speakers are:

- Rebecca Dobkins, professor of anthropology and American ethnic studies, Willamette University, and curator of Indigenous art, Hallie Ford Museum of Art.

- Erin Moore, AIA, professor, Department of Architecture and Environmental Studies Program, University of Oregon.

- Colin Fogarty, executive director, Confluence.

“Coexistence and Regeneration: Learning from rural voices” will be held July 28, 6 to 8 p.m. at Sisters Art Works Building, 204 W. Adams Ave.

Speakers are:

- Ashley Ahearn, independent science/environment audio journalist, producer/creator of Grouse podcast and Women’s Work.

- Sally Linville, founder and creative director of The City Girl Farm and Chicken Foot Stools.

“Coexistence and Regeneration: Rethinking Fire” is set for September 29, 6 to 8 p.m. at a location to be determined.

Speakers are:

- Ken Van Rees, professor forest soil, University of Saskatchewan and artist.

- Marko Bey and Belinda Brown, executive director & tribal partnership director of Lomakatsi Restoration Project.

- Nils Christoffersen, executive director of Wallowa Resources.

Lecture series information can be found here: https://roundhousefoundation.org/pine-meadow-ranch/events/.