New Mexico: Sustainability through Creative Practice

Instructor: Jeff Gibson
Offcampus / CRITI–300–02
Prerequisites: completion of sophomore level by summer 2012 and instructor approval
August 6–20, Mon.–Sun., 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
More detailed information is available. Earlier registration and payment/refund deadlines apply.

This course is a collaboration with Herekeke, a nonprofit arts organization located on a private ranch in the remote community of Lama, New Mexico, 20 miles north of Taos. Much of Lama Mountain Ranch’s 100 acres is under conservation easements with the American Farmland Trust; it hosts a variety of public programs exploring ideas of sustainability, from a free summer camp to a community farm, and ranch animals. Lama enjoys wide-open vistas and dramatic mountain weather at 8,000 feet in elevation in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the southern reaches of the Rocky Mountains.

Students read about, and join in daily group discussions of, visions and histories of various forms of utopian communities, while also exploring histories of failed utopias and theories of dystopia. In addition, students spend time drawing and gathering materials to create site-specific and site-responsive works. These may include temporary installations and works that improve the ranch and its programs, such as murals on cabins and concepts for architectural structures. All works will be documented in photographs.

For undergraduates, this course satisfies a studio elective, Upper Division Interdisciplinary studio, or Interdisciplinary Critique.

For graduates, this course satisfies a gradwide elective, Fine Arts seminar, or studio practice.

The following summer study abroad course also satisfies an Interdisciplinary Critique:

• Berlin Studio