Open to all ages | Free
Join us for the FLBS Arts & Science Conference, featuring free, hands-on presentations with artists-in-residence Terry Conrad, Olivia Gorham, Eva-Maria Maggi, and Annabelle Sigmond. This special day celebrates the residency of these four artists’ time spent in the Flathead area with various researchers at the Flathead Lake Biological Station.
Each artist will lead an individual session to share insights into their creative process and inspirations, along with hands-on activities. Attendees are welcome to join individual sessions or participate in the full conference.
Additional highlights:
Opportunities to meet and interact with the artists
Snacks and beverages provided
Time to explore and engage with the creative work
Registration is required. Register here.
Conference Schedule:
10:00 AM — Introduction from Tom Bansak & Stoney Samsoe
10:15 AM — “The Sound of Found things at Flathead Lake Biological Station”
Led by Artist-in-Residence, Terry Conrad
Terry will be sharing traditional and experimental instruments inspired by Flathead Lake Biological Station and other scientific inquiry. Learn about how the sound is different between species of wood and how found materials can be instruments.
11:00 AM — “Wild Words: Nature Stories for All Ages”
Led by Artist-in-Residence, Eva-Maria Maggi
Participants will connect with nature through storytelling, gathering textures, sounds, and imagery from the natural world to create quick, imaginative written pieces.
11:45 - 12:45 PM — Recharge Break. Light fare provided.
1:00 PM — “Exquisite Corpses: Drawing Bio Station Characters”
Led by Artist-in-Residence, Annabelle Sigmond
Explore surrealist creativity with a playful Exquisite Corpse drawing activity, inspired by the creatures, plants, and beings of the Bio Station. Participants will collaboratively create fantastical figures in three segments, discovering unexpected, fun, and silly combinations.
1:45 PM — “Balance and Composition: The Art in Chemistry”
Led by Sydni Racki, Freshwater Research Laboratory Associate
See chemistry come to life through the Belousov–Zhabotinsky reaction — an oscillating visual experiment that explores the balance, color, and motion within chemical systems.
2:00 PM — “Attentive Worlds: A Film and Reflection on Observation”
Led by Artist-in-Residence, Olivia Gorham
Experience a short film capturing the sensory and ecological beauty of Flathead Lake, followed by an interactive discussion and participatory listening exercise.
2:45 PM - Closing