The Visual Arts Centre of Clarington (VAC) is pleased to announce the first participatory workshop event supporting Maria Simmons’ upcoming exhibition Anoxic Memory. Join us on Saturday, December 10 for a foraging foray into the Soper Creek Valley trail system.
Meeting inside the VAC’s main galleries at 12:00 PM, this nature walk will venture out into Soper Creek Valley. Hybrid artist Maria Simmons will lead us through the landscape, introducing participants to the present ecology as we attune ourselves to fungal structures and basic floral identification techniques. Participants will learn about current foraging practices as we delve into the anaerobic underworlds of Canadian Peatlands. We invite you to co-produce living sculptures with Simmons as they use a collection of the vegetation gathered during this event to create active bog fermentations in their upcoming exhibition, Anoxic Memory, opening at the VAC in February 2023.
Terrain Note/Warning:
No previous foraging or hiking experience is required to participate in this event. However, the primary leg of this walk will be along the Soper Creek Valley Trail into a stream system that includes uneven terrain, damp pathways, and natural vegetation. We recommend all participants wear shoes with good grip, dress appropriately for weather conditions, and study the Ministry of Health’s tick safety guide ahead of the day’s activities. Please contact us ahead of time if you require further assistance in these conditions. Our events team would be happy to assist you! This is a rain-or-shine event. Registration for this event is recommended in case of postponement due to inclement weather.
Suggested Material List:
Weather Appropriate Outdoor Clothing
Comfortable Walking Shoes Suitable for Dirt Trails
Bug Spray
Small Mesh Bag or Tote
Additional Ministry of Health Tick Safety Resources: