“Belonging”: Exploring Local Perspectives

THE NEVADA COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL, WITH a new grant from California Arts Council, has commissioned artist-in-residence Ruth Chase to create “Belonging.”

Belonging is a community arts initiative led by Chase and funded in part by California Arts Council. “Belonging is about our vulnerable mountain home, and the people who tend it, love it and depend upon it,” says Chase.

Ruth and cinematographer Radu Sava are mobilizing perspectives to create a deeper sense of connection between them, between members of our community and the land we all share. The installation is composed of a short film, the use of social media, interviews, community art made in free workshops and paintings by Ruth.

Ruth interviewed 10 featured participants about their connection to the land in Nevada County: Rick Berry, founder and director of 4 Elements Earth Education; Jeff Brown of Sagehen; Jonathan Collier, executive board at Nevada County Cannabis Alliance; Shelly Covert, secretary of Nevada City Rancheria; Nancy Lopez, a visual artist in Truckee; Elisa Parker of See Jane Do and KVMR; Philip Oyung, a descendent of one of the first Chinese families to immigrate to the area; Aimee Retzler, co-director of Sierra Harvest; Mike Stewart, retired fire captain with Cal- Fire at Washington Ridge Conservation Camp; and Rob Thompson of Legacy Ranching.

“The value in the ‘Belonging’ project for me is the inclusion of the voice and perspective of the Nisenan Indians, the Native Americans who were here for countless generations before the Gold Rush,” says Covert.

For more information, visit NevadaCountyArts.org/Belonging.

A “Belonging” exhibition is planned May 2- July 30 in the gallery at Summer Thyme’s Bakery & Deli at 231 Colfax Ave. in Grass Valley.

Speak Your Mind

Tell us what you're thinking...
and oh, if you want a pic to show with your comment, go get a gravatar!

You must be logged in to post a comment.

  • Follow us on PinterestFollow us on Pinterest