Artists featured in “things we lost in the: The Legacy of St. Amelia’s College of Speculative Timbre" at Sidle House (Oct. 3 - Nov. 1) This talk is from 2-3PM on October 5th.

“things we lost in the:The Legacy of St. Amelia’s College of Speculative Timbre" is a captivating art exhibition set within a unique historical narrative. The guest curator is mid-coast Maine poet, artist and musician Colin Cheney; it opens on October 3 and will be on view through November 1, 2024. This exhibition invites visitors to explore a blend of contemporary artwork and thought-provoking historic artifacts inspired by the fictional St. Amelia’s College of Speculative Timbre. A number of artist talks, musical events, and performances will occur throughout the show’s tenure.

Inspired by works such as Apichatpong Weerasethakul’s Primitive and The Museum of Jurassic Technology, guest curator Cheney creates a superfictional space where reality and fiction complicate each other. The fictional St. Amelia’s College, which was destroyed in a fire in 1996 in rural Vermont, was a sanctuary for artists exploring unconventional art, sound, and ecological studies.

“things we lost in the” features a wide variety of artworks, including paintings, photography, sculpture, and time-based video and sound art. The exhibition highlights the talents of nineteen local and international artists, including Khaila Batts, Rita Bernstein, Jordan Carey, Aminata Conteh, Epiphany Couch, Maung Day, Fadl Fakhouri, Shaina Gates, Dana Guth, Jenny Ibsen, Marcus Jackson, Lokotah Sanborn, Adam Rosenblatt, Kalyn Pavliniç, Martin Pavliniç, Kenny Shapiro, Juria Toramae, Andrew Tosiello and Zizou Zou.

Each artwork will be accompanied by text providing lyric insights into the artist’s vision and their connection to the myth of St. Amelia’s. Additionally, the exhibition includes “artifacts” from the college, such as a disassembled pump organ, burnt timbers, archival files, and scientific apparatuses. While some artifacts will be identified, others will invite visitors to contribute their own stories.

I'm committed to valuing artists time and creative energy. Please help me support our speakers with a suggested donation of $10, all proceeds will go directly to the artists.

Thank you!

- Maddy Vertenten