Talks & Thinkers
Upcoming Events
Join us for an emotionally empowering evening with Mary Lou Falcone as she shares her journey as a caregiver. The internationally esteemed publicist/strategist and author of the book I DIDN’T SEE IT COMING: Scenes of Love, Loss, and Lewy Body Dementia, will speak about her life, share her story, read from her book, and invite the audience to a reflective Q&A at the end of her presentation.
“There is not a particle of life which does not bear poetry within it.” Gustave Flaubert
Philip Schultz, a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, is currently penning a new book of poetry (title pending). You are invited to a poetic Saturday evening, as Schultz reads new work from his latest endeavor, treating audiences to an advanced preview of the work, and revisits some of his older work. Schultz will also discuss his inspirations, provide insight into his process, and welcome the curious to learn more about the wordsmith.
One of the long-form poems included in the new collection, entitled Something and Nothing, is an Ekphrastic work that draws inspiration from Arshile Gorky’s painting The Artist and His Mother while also tilting the lens of introspection upon his own mother. “Mothers,” Schultz says, “the force that drives humanity’s engine. Women. Sacrifice.”
Ralph Gibson, acclaimed photographer, joins us as November’s Insight Sunday speaker. Freshly returned from overseas and amidst a successful exhibition at Parrish Art Museum entitled Nature: Object, Gibson presents The Church’s audience with an exclusive look into his developing project Italia. The forthcoming photography book will be published in 2025 as part of the 100th Year anniversary celebration of Leica Camera. Join us as we explore the driving forces behind his current work, glean insight from his experiences, and see the behind-the-scenes work that goes into the publication of a photography book. After the discussion, there will be a Q&A with the artist.
Fiordaliso will be joined by Lindsay Morris, whose photography is included in the newly released book. The two will discuss the inspiration and impetus for the book and highlight the collaborative process, a process that Fiordaliso feels is gaining new traction in the post-COVID world. There will be a limited number of signed books available for those in attendance. Following the discussion there will be a Q&A with the audience.
Query: What do we give when we give thanks?
In the style of a traditional Quaker meeting, each iteration of Still, Small Voice will center around an organizing question about creativity, community, and being human in the 21st century. The format of the meeting is unprogrammed and anchored in silence, but receptive to the insights of all participants. It is a space grounded in humanistic pluralism and is welcoming and open to all. Facilitated by former Quaker clerk Erling Hope, the series will be held in The Church’s library.
Let’s kick off the first weekend in December with a woman known for kicking it into high gear and making a substantial difference in her community: Minerva Perez. Join us as we learn Minerva’s story and gather insight from one of our community’s most dynamic leaders.
How does one go from a BFA in drama to running a 24/7 Crisis Shelter for women and children fleeing domestic abuse? How does one facilitate a respectful dialogue between Anglo and Latino communities creating a more inclusive community? Let’s ask Minerva!
Query: What is the craziest thing that you believe?
In the style of a traditional Quaker meeting, each iteration of Still, Small Voice will center around an organizing question about creativity, community, and being human in the 21st century. The format of the meeting is unprogrammed and anchored in silence, but receptive to the insights of all participants. It is a space grounded in humanistic pluralism and is welcoming and open to all. Facilitated by former Quaker clerk Erling Hope, the series will be held in The Church’s library.
Join Myrna Davis and April Gornik, co-curators of Yes, No, WOW: The Push Pin Studios Revolution for an exclusive look at the show from the curatorial perspective. Myrna and April will lead guests on a tour of the exhibition before inviting audiences to a discussion. Learn where the impetus and inspiration for the show came from, the perspectives they held during the selection process, and hear their reflections on the show as a whole. A Q&A with the speakers will follow the discussion.
Violinist and composer Michelle Ross invites you to join us at The Church for a behind-the-scenes look into her creative practice and unique process of composing. During this special event, Michelle will offer insight into her latest composition – an in-progress piece for solo violin and mixed ensemble – and discuss how improvisation, electronics, handwritten notations, poetry, and performance all play a role in her work. The presentation will feature a selection of handwritten scores, excerpts of audio, and a live performance by Michelle.
A protégée of the legendary violinist Itzhak Perlman, Michelle’s compositions have had world premieres at the Lucerne Festival, Tanglewood Music Center, and Oregon Symphony’s Open Music. She has also performed as guest concertmaster with a range of ensembles including the Orchestre de Paris, Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse, London Symphony Orchestra, and more.
“The right of interpretation now belongs to you, the viewer,” says filmmaker and documentarist, Nick Whelan. Join us for an Insight Sunday presentation of Nick’s short format film “Akrowa,” followed by an illuminating discussion about the work, including the pathos behind the imagery, and the way he uses his musical knowledge to find the rhythmic dance between images. A Q&A will follow the discussion.
Tina Curran, a founding teacher in the worldwide Tai Chi Foundation, joins us for our December Wellness Monday as we harness the energy of the final full moon of the year. Curran invites participants to an informative and interactive introduction to tai chi, the ancient martial art of movement for health and balance. Focusing on Qigong, sometimes called the “internal” part of tai chi, Curran will help us access some of the benefits of its in-depth movements and principles, allowing us to tune in to our essential being and open to our true strengths.
Tai chi, often called “moving meditation” is part of traditional Chinese meditation and is based on establishing the natural flow of qi (life energy) through the body. Tune in to the healing and rejuvenating energies of nature, heightened by the energy of the full moon, as we work with gentle yet energizing movements and self-massages. Designed to release stress and enhance energy, these low-impact exercise techniques are easy to learn, help build immunity, and aid in bringing clarity, openness, and flow in body and mind.
In the wise words of martial arts legend and accomplished Qigong practitioner, Bruce Lee, “…water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend.”
Query: What is the Human Being?
In the style of a traditional Quaker meeting, each iteration of Still, Small Voice will center around an organizing question about creativity, community, and being human in the 21st century. The format of the meeting is unprogrammed and anchored in silence, but receptive to the insights of all participants. It is a space grounded in humanistic pluralism and is welcoming and open to all. Facilitated by former Quaker clerk Erling Hope, the series will be held in The Church’s library.