FLOW
Interactive Exhibition and Community Project
Northcutt Steele Gallery, Montana State University Billings, January 28 - March 18, 2016
EXHIBITION VOICES OF THE RIVER SYMPOSIUM MIXING OIL & WATER FILM NIGHT WORDS ON WATER: POETRY & JAZZ IN CONCERT LIVING IN HARMONY ON THE YELLOWSTONE FILM
YOUTH OUTREACH READING AREAS YELLOWSTONE RIVER CUMULATIVE EFFECTS ANALYSIS
YOUTH OUTREACH READING AREAS YELLOWSTONE RIVER CUMULATIVE EFFECTS ANALYSIS
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Flow was a socially-engaged project anchored with an exhibition of art and installations – a framework and jumping off point for community conversations around water issues, rights and usage during multiple events. Sherri Cornett, with gallery director Dr. Leanne Gilbertson, created opportunities for community interaction, where the gallery was set up as a laboratory - a space for experimentation, dialogue and collaboration. With the exhibition and events, viewers, participants, artists, river users, and civic leaders were encouraged to think outside their own understanding and establish a more comprehensive and informed perspective about how water affects our lives and livelihoods. |
FLOW: INTERACTIVE EXHIBITION
January 28 - March 18, 2016
Northucutt Steele Gallery
Hours: 8 - 4 p.m. Monday - Friday and by appointment
Event Web Page
This exhibition included:
Northucutt Steele Gallery
Hours: 8 - 4 p.m. Monday - Friday and by appointment
Event Web Page
This exhibition included:
- an installation of Sherri Cornett's Grottoes Series (13 wall-mounted, mixed media, 3D sculptures including video meditations on water) in Northcutt Steele Gallery, Montana State University Billings. The goal of this series is to create a backdrop for conversations about water rights and conservation - where the sculptures and their videos are visual reminders of water as common ground.
- Juried artworks by MSUBillings' alumni and students Karin Calabrese, Michelle Dyk/Peter Tolton/Luke Kestner, Tabetha Rindahl, Stephanie Slavin/Joel Miller, Patrick Williams and Dylan Woods further encouraged viewers to consider the role of water in their lives.
- "Living in Harmony on the Yellowstone" - a video interpretation, commissioned by this project, of Yellowstone River Cultural Inventory by Bonny Beth Luhman and Ariel Grossfield
- Interpretations of water by Girls Scouts of Montana and Wyoming and the Boys & Girls Club of Billings, and students from Will James Middle School.
WORDS ON WATER: POETRY and JAZZ IN CONCERT
Readings and Musical Improvisation
February 11, 2016, 5 - 7 p.m.
Northcutt Steele Gallery
Event Web Page
Under the direction of Tami Haaland (Faculty, English, Philosophy & Modern Languages) and John Roberts (Faculty, Music).
MSU Billings Creative Writing students Amelia Bacon, Desiree Kling, Thomas Mendenhall Sierra Parcel, and Sarah Williams wrote responses to the works in the FLOW exhibition and researched poems from well-known poets that address themes of water and read a selection of these works.
MSU Billings Music students Tyler Briceno (drums), Juanilla Chavis (bass) and Drew McDowell (guitar) accompanied by John Roberts will improvise responses to the readings.
February 11, 2016, 5 - 7 p.m.
Northcutt Steele Gallery
Event Web Page
Under the direction of Tami Haaland (Faculty, English, Philosophy & Modern Languages) and John Roberts (Faculty, Music).
MSU Billings Creative Writing students Amelia Bacon, Desiree Kling, Thomas Mendenhall Sierra Parcel, and Sarah Williams wrote responses to the works in the FLOW exhibition and researched poems from well-known poets that address themes of water and read a selection of these works.
MSU Billings Music students Tyler Briceno (drums), Juanilla Chavis (bass) and Drew McDowell (guitar) accompanied by John Roberts will improvise responses to the readings.
MIXING OIL and WATER
Film Screening/Discussion
Thursday, February 18, 5-7pm.
LI 148 Auditorium, MSU Billings
Event Web Page
In collaboration with Northern Plains Resource Council, this evening provided an opportunity for our community to learn more about oil and gas development and its effects on water resources. A screening of Eric Warren's "Mixing Oil and Water" was followed by a facilitated audience discussion with comments from Sue Beug and Becky Mitchell of Northern Plains Resources Council.
Thursday, February 18, 5-7pm.
LI 148 Auditorium, MSU Billings
Event Web Page
In collaboration with Northern Plains Resource Council, this evening provided an opportunity for our community to learn more about oil and gas development and its effects on water resources. A screening of Eric Warren's "Mixing Oil and Water" was followed by a facilitated audience discussion with comments from Sue Beug and Becky Mitchell of Northern Plains Resources Council.
VOICES OF THE RIVER
Symposium/Community Discussion and Public Receptions
Thursday, February 25, 4:30pm-8pm
LI 148 Auditorium & Northcutt Steele Gallery, MSUBillings
4:30 - 5:30 Youth Outreach and Gallery Reception
5:15 - 7:15 Symposium and Community Discussion
Event Web Page
Background of the Yellowstone River Cumulative Effects Analysis
The Yellowstone River Cumulative Effects Analysis, of which Dr. Susan Gilbertz's Yellowstone River Cultural Inventory is a part, is the culmination of an internationally unique, multi-agency, comprehensive watershed study that arose from the effects of the floods of 1996-1997. The data collected in this study addresses hydrologic, socioeconomic and biological issues on the Yellowstone River. This analysis has included an interdisciplinary scientific characterization of relationships between human activities and associated river system responses. Based on this analysis, recommendations were developed for management practices and actions that will provide sustainability to socioeconomic interests while maintain the long-term biological and physical integrity of the river system.
Symposium Focus
Presentations and audience discussion focused specifically on the riparian and channel migration zones of the river, which were identified as the least understood aspects of the river, but which have major impact on future use of the river by land owners, recreationalists, and agriculturists as well as survival of species. This discussion broadened understanding and enlighten planning efforts by user groups, civic leaders and policy makers.
Panelists:
Susan J. Gilbertz, Ph.D.
Director, Environmental Studies Program
Montana State University Billings
Director, Yellowstone River Cultural Inventory (2006)
Warren Kellogg
Chair, Technical Advisory Group, Yellowstone River Cumulative Effects Analysis
Carrie La Seur, Ph.D., J.D.
Attorney for energy and environmental issues on behalf of farmers, ranchers, and Native Americans
Kayhan Ostovar
Associate Professor of Biology & Environmental Science
Rocky Mountain College
Burt Williams
Manager, The Nature Conservancy (retired)
Member, Technical Advisory Group, Yellowstone River Community Effects Analysis
Prior Member, Resource Advisory Committee, Yellowstone River Cumulative Effects Analysis
Thursday, February 25, 4:30pm-8pm
LI 148 Auditorium & Northcutt Steele Gallery, MSUBillings
4:30 - 5:30 Youth Outreach and Gallery Reception
5:15 - 7:15 Symposium and Community Discussion
- Voices of the River - Presentation by MSUB students of comments and perspectives of user groups collected during the Yellowstone River Cultural Inventory, Panelist presentations and Community Discussion
Event Web Page
Background of the Yellowstone River Cumulative Effects Analysis
The Yellowstone River Cumulative Effects Analysis, of which Dr. Susan Gilbertz's Yellowstone River Cultural Inventory is a part, is the culmination of an internationally unique, multi-agency, comprehensive watershed study that arose from the effects of the floods of 1996-1997. The data collected in this study addresses hydrologic, socioeconomic and biological issues on the Yellowstone River. This analysis has included an interdisciplinary scientific characterization of relationships between human activities and associated river system responses. Based on this analysis, recommendations were developed for management practices and actions that will provide sustainability to socioeconomic interests while maintain the long-term biological and physical integrity of the river system.
Symposium Focus
Presentations and audience discussion focused specifically on the riparian and channel migration zones of the river, which were identified as the least understood aspects of the river, but which have major impact on future use of the river by land owners, recreationalists, and agriculturists as well as survival of species. This discussion broadened understanding and enlighten planning efforts by user groups, civic leaders and policy makers.
Panelists:
Susan J. Gilbertz, Ph.D.
Director, Environmental Studies Program
Montana State University Billings
Director, Yellowstone River Cultural Inventory (2006)
Warren Kellogg
Chair, Technical Advisory Group, Yellowstone River Cumulative Effects Analysis
Carrie La Seur, Ph.D., J.D.
Attorney for energy and environmental issues on behalf of farmers, ranchers, and Native Americans
Kayhan Ostovar
Associate Professor of Biology & Environmental Science
Rocky Mountain College
Burt Williams
Manager, The Nature Conservancy (retired)
Member, Technical Advisory Group, Yellowstone River Community Effects Analysis
Prior Member, Resource Advisory Committee, Yellowstone River Cumulative Effects Analysis
SYMPOSIUM SPONSORED BY THE YELLOWSTONE RIVER RESEARCH CENTER at ROCKY MOUNTAIN COLLEGE
For more information, please visit http://yellowstoneriver.weebly.com
For more information, please visit http://yellowstoneriver.weebly.com
LIVING IN HARMONY ON THE YELLOWSTONE
Video still/animation
Artistic Video Interpretation of Yellowstone River Cultural Inventory 2006
As a commission from this project, Bonny Beth Luhman and Ariel Grossfield, MSUB art students, created a video interpretation of the user group comments and insights collected by Dr. Susan Gilbertz (Director of the Environmental Studies Program, MSUB) and colleagues in their Yellowstone River Cultural Inventory 2006 comment (full cultural study accessible here). The video was shown in the Northcutt Steele Gallery during the length of the exhibition.
As a commission from this project, Bonny Beth Luhman and Ariel Grossfield, MSUB art students, created a video interpretation of the user group comments and insights collected by Dr. Susan Gilbertz (Director of the Environmental Studies Program, MSUB) and colleagues in their Yellowstone River Cultural Inventory 2006 comment (full cultural study accessible here). The video was shown in the Northcutt Steele Gallery during the length of the exhibition.
YELLOWSTONE: VOICES and SCIENCE
Class for MSUB and RMC Students, Spring 2016 Semester
Dr. Susan Gilbertz offered a one-time-only course in conjunction with our Flow project for students of both campuses. It was titled "Yellowstone: Voices and Science"
The course focused on the findings of the "Yellowstone River Cultural Inventory" http://yellowstonerivercouncil.org/dev/resources.php, and the final scientific reports of the Cumulative Effects Study of the Yellowstone River (sponsored by the US army Corp of Engineers and the Yellowstone River Conservation District Council). From those reports, students will select a focus of concern and detail a comparison of scientific findings and cultural knowledge. The students presented abbreviated versions of their work at the February 25th FLOW symposium, at MSUB. The short course begins Wednesday, January 20th and concludes on February 25th with the symposium. It is a 2-credit course and will meet on Wednesday 10:30-11:30, plus Thursday evenings 5-9:00. Included in the Thursday evening sessions is attendance at the other FLOW events in February.
Dr. Susan Gilbertz offered a one-time-only course in conjunction with our Flow project for students of both campuses. It was titled "Yellowstone: Voices and Science"
The course focused on the findings of the "Yellowstone River Cultural Inventory" http://yellowstonerivercouncil.org/dev/resources.php, and the final scientific reports of the Cumulative Effects Study of the Yellowstone River (sponsored by the US army Corp of Engineers and the Yellowstone River Conservation District Council). From those reports, students will select a focus of concern and detail a comparison of scientific findings and cultural knowledge. The students presented abbreviated versions of their work at the February 25th FLOW symposium, at MSUB. The short course begins Wednesday, January 20th and concludes on February 25th with the symposium. It is a 2-credit course and will meet on Wednesday 10:30-11:30, plus Thursday evenings 5-9:00. Included in the Thursday evening sessions is attendance at the other FLOW events in February.
YOUTH OUTREACH
Art education students from Montana State University Billings brought the Flow project to the area K-8 students, asking them to create 5 x 7 inch panel depictions of water. Workshops were conducted with the Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming, the Boys and Girls Club of Billings and at Will James Middle School. These will be displayed in the Outer Gallery at the university from January 28 - March 18, 2016, in conjunction with the Flow exhibition.
Please visit the Youth Outreach page for images of the workshops and art panels.
Please visit the Youth Outreach page for images of the workshops and art panels.
READING AREAS
The MSUBillings Library will pull from their collection to create a display of water-related materials in the library entrance and in reading areas, including the Young Adult and Children's area. Precious McKenzie, Author and Assistant Professor, English, Rocky Mountain College, donated her books to the MSUBillings Library for its collection and to be displayed during the Flow exhibition. For more information and a list of materials, please go to our Reading Areas page.
DOCUMENTATION
Documentation is critical to socially-engaged projects as much of the content involves community events. This project was documented fully on this website with additional content on the Northcutt Steele Gallery and university sites.
PARTNERSHIPS and ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Yellowstone River Research Center
The Yellowstone River Research Center (YRRC) is a multidisciplinary research institute composed of geologists, ecologists, wildlife biologists, geographers, and social scientists at Rocky Mountain College (Billings, MT). The center is positioned in an area that is a microcosm of the northern Rocky Mountain region, where some of the nation’s most pristine environments coincide with ongoing processes of resource extraction, agriculture, industrial activity and increasing human settlement.
YRCC Goals: Promote field-based research for undergraduates, Foster collaborative, multidisciplinary research, Improve and maintain YRRC’s research facilities, Develop cooperative agreements and partnerships with external institutions, agencies and the community, Support service learning opportunities and outreach between students and the community , Maintain and expand monitoring programs that document ecosystem and geological change
The Yellowstone River Research Center (YRRC) is a multidisciplinary research institute composed of geologists, ecologists, wildlife biologists, geographers, and social scientists at Rocky Mountain College (Billings, MT). The center is positioned in an area that is a microcosm of the northern Rocky Mountain region, where some of the nation’s most pristine environments coincide with ongoing processes of resource extraction, agriculture, industrial activity and increasing human settlement.
YRCC Goals: Promote field-based research for undergraduates, Foster collaborative, multidisciplinary research, Improve and maintain YRRC’s research facilities, Develop cooperative agreements and partnerships with external institutions, agencies and the community, Support service learning opportunities and outreach between students and the community , Maintain and expand monitoring programs that document ecosystem and geological change
Northern Plains Resource Council
Northern Plains Resource Council is a grassroots conservation and family agriculture group that organizes Montana citizens to protect our water quality, family farms and ranches, and unique quality of life. Northern Plains protects Montana’s greatest assets: the quality of our natural resources, the character and viability of family-based agriculture, and the ability of citizens to shape the public policies that affect our land, our water, and our lives so that we may pass them on, unimpaired, to future generations. Northern Plains members work to ensure the long term health of Montana by putting community interests above oil and gas profits and empowering communities to guide development. Members work at the state policy and local level to implement laws and permitting practices that ensure responsible development that protects our water and communities from the potential negative effects of oil and gas development.
Northern Plains Resource Council is a grassroots conservation and family agriculture group that organizes Montana citizens to protect our water quality, family farms and ranches, and unique quality of life. Northern Plains protects Montana’s greatest assets: the quality of our natural resources, the character and viability of family-based agriculture, and the ability of citizens to shape the public policies that affect our land, our water, and our lives so that we may pass them on, unimpaired, to future generations. Northern Plains members work to ensure the long term health of Montana by putting community interests above oil and gas profits and empowering communities to guide development. Members work at the state policy and local level to implement laws and permitting practices that ensure responsible development that protects our water and communities from the potential negative effects of oil and gas development.
MSU Billings Library
MSU Billings College of Arts and Sciences
MSU Billings Department of Art
MSU Billings Department of Social Sciences and Cultural Studies
MSU Billings College of Arts and Sciences
MSU Billings Department of Art
MSU Billings Department of Social Sciences and Cultural Studies
Additional thanks to the following collaborators, participants, brainstormers, and supporters:
Gerard Baker, Sue Beug, Karin Calabrese, Reno Charette, Michelle Dyk, Teresa Erickson, Megan Fetters, Samantha Finch, Karen Gutfreund, Leanne Gilbertson, Ph.D, Susan Gilbertz, Ph.D, Ilene Goddard, Ariel Grossfield, Tami Haaland, Ruby Hahn, Joy Honea, Hannah Hostetter, Warren Kellogg, Luke Kestner, Korilynn Kessler, Carrie La Seur, Ph.D, J.D., Jodi Lightner, Bonny Beth Luhman, Larry Mayer, Precious McKenzie, Joel Miller, Patrick Mueller, Kelsey Nix, Carolyn Ostby, Kayhan Ostovar, Mara Pierce, Ph.D., Megan Poulette, Tabetha Rindahl, Brent Roberts, John Roberts, Maria Selvig, Stephanie Slavin, Rebecca Summers, Peter Tolton, Patricia Vettel-Becker, Ph.D., Eric Warren, Burt Williams, Patrick Williams, Dylan Woods,
Gerard Baker, Sue Beug, Karin Calabrese, Reno Charette, Michelle Dyk, Teresa Erickson, Megan Fetters, Samantha Finch, Karen Gutfreund, Leanne Gilbertson, Ph.D, Susan Gilbertz, Ph.D, Ilene Goddard, Ariel Grossfield, Tami Haaland, Ruby Hahn, Joy Honea, Hannah Hostetter, Warren Kellogg, Luke Kestner, Korilynn Kessler, Carrie La Seur, Ph.D, J.D., Jodi Lightner, Bonny Beth Luhman, Larry Mayer, Precious McKenzie, Joel Miller, Patrick Mueller, Kelsey Nix, Carolyn Ostby, Kayhan Ostovar, Mara Pierce, Ph.D., Megan Poulette, Tabetha Rindahl, Brent Roberts, John Roberts, Maria Selvig, Stephanie Slavin, Rebecca Summers, Peter Tolton, Patricia Vettel-Becker, Ph.D., Eric Warren, Burt Williams, Patrick Williams, Dylan Woods,
PRESS
"At project’s end, a close look at the Yellowstone River"
by David Crisp, The Last Best News, February 26, 2016
http://lastbestnews.com/site/2016/02/at-projects-end-a-close-look-at-the-yellowstone-river/
by David Crisp, The Last Best News, February 26, 2016
http://lastbestnews.com/site/2016/02/at-projects-end-a-close-look-at-the-yellowstone-river/
"Health of the Yellowstone topic of river talk"
by Mike Ferguson, Billings Gazette, February 26, 2016
http://billingsgazette.com/news/local/health-of-the-yellowstone-topic-of-river-talk/article_a36cb497-30af-5694-8e9c-f04c80a149fd.html
by Mike Ferguson, Billings Gazette, February 26, 2016
http://billingsgazette.com/news/local/health-of-the-yellowstone-topic-of-river-talk/article_a36cb497-30af-5694-8e9c-f04c80a149fd.html
"MSUB to host poetry reading, jazz improv event Thursday" by Mike Kordenbrock, Billings Gazette, February 10, 2016
http://billingsgazette.com/news/local/msub-to-host-poetry-reading-jazz-improv-event-thursday/article_64901bc1-a2d1-5d19-a609-8034a9f5b1ba.html
http://billingsgazette.com/news/local/msub-to-host-poetry-reading-jazz-improv-event-thursday/article_64901bc1-a2d1-5d19-a609-8034a9f5b1ba.html
"Flow – Exhibition and Community Project"
by Jackie Yamanaka, Yellowstone Public Radio
aired February 8, 2016
http://www.yellowstonepublicradio.org/news/
by Jackie Yamanaka, Yellowstone Public Radio
aired February 8, 2016
http://www.yellowstonepublicradio.org/news/
"Flow: Artist Sherri Cornett draws inspiration from the Yellowstone"
by Kori Wood, Billings Gazette, January 22, 2016
http://billingsgazette.com/entertainment/arts-and-theatre/flow-artist-sherri-cornett-draws-inspiration-from-the-yellowstone/article_81f9cb99-d134-5360-bd56-7ef0e0396d16.html
by Kori Wood, Billings Gazette, January 22, 2016
http://billingsgazette.com/entertainment/arts-and-theatre/flow-artist-sherri-cornett-draws-inspiration-from-the-yellowstone/article_81f9cb99-d134-5360-bd56-7ef0e0396d16.html