Wildfire + Water: Artists and Scientists Adapting to Change

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Excited to share that Michelle Swinehart and I were selected to join the 2025-2026 cohort of the Wildfire + Water: Artists and Scientists Adapting to Change artist residency at Playa for 2025-2026!

PLAYA nurtures innovative thinking in the arts and sciences through residencies and workshops on the edge of the Great Basin, to promote dialogue and positive change in the environment and the world.

This year-long immersive residency will provide time, space, and new knowledge to develop an intimate understanding of some of the most critical environmental topics to Lake County, Oregon: wildfire and water. We will be on site in Summer Lake for three two-week periods to allow for relationships to form between the artists and local scientists and experts. This deepening into gathering knowledge, sharing stories, and dialogue is designed with the intent that the works developed will move beyond representation of the issues discussed and towards shedding light on possible futures and proactive solutions.

Wildfire and water are of critical environmental and social concern in Lake County. Significant wildfires have plagued Oregon and the surrounding states, and more to come will undoubtedly continue to threaten forest health, wildlife, and communities. The Chewaucan/Abert watershed is suffering from a drought that directly impacts the migratory birds that find refuge and nourishment from the area. Local and state agencies, U.S. Forest Service workers, Oregon Fish and Wildlife, University researchers and local watershed councils are working collaboratively to find solutions for dwindling water and share information about wildfire and forest management best practices.

Here are the inspiring artists and scientists that we will be working with and alongside!