LECTURE - Date: 16 April 2024
Where: Oregon State University, PRAx Center Detrick Hall

EXHIBITION - Dates: 16 April 2024 - 30 April 2024
Where: Joan Truckenbrod Gallery - Corvallis, Oregon

Artist Joel Slayton and scientist Lisa Johanson team up to explore the complexities of the Gila River, one of America's most threatened ecosystems. This 649-mile long river, winding through New Mexico and Arizona, faces a multitude of challenges: climate change, ranching, agriculture, mining, and growing development. Despite these threats, the river persists, showcasing remarkable resilience.

Join Joel and Lisa as they delve into their captivating Gila River Project.  Their mobile laboratory/studio allows them to conduct location-based research, examining the intricate web of challenges – both natural and man-made – that impact the river. Their focus centering on how these challenges influence the environment and, in turn, how humans and the ecosystem adapt to survive. Ultimately, the project seeks to illuminate "eco-plasticity," the river's remarkable ability to continuously change in response to its surroundings.

Joel, a media artist skilled in exploring complex systems, and Lisa, a scientist with expertise in neural plasticity, bring unique perspectives to the table.  Their collaboration results in a series of artworks that explore the connection between land use and our sense of place. Witness their thought-provoking work throughout April at the Truckenbrod Gallery in downtown Corvallis.

Click here for more information.