The Symphony of All Things :

A “lichen walk” around Volland’s grounds with exhibiting artist Sarah Hearn followed by a music performance by The Forcefields. Lichen Walk launches at 2pm | The Forcefields Concert at 4pm

Sarah Hearn, Volland’s current exhibiting artist, has wide-ranging interests in the sciences. Microbial Multiverse highlights the life that can’t be seen by the naked eye, but Hearn also focuses on life we can see without assistance. The Norman, Oklahoma artist finds inspiration in lichens, nature’s “white noise” as the artist describes them. Lichen are the product of a symbiotic relationship between fungus and algae, and are ubiquitous – covering about 8% of the world’s landmass. Using cut photographs, watercolors, and at times graphite, Hearn imagines new lichen interactions, calling attention to the regularly seen but often unnoticed life form.

Lichens are some of the most implausible but real species on our planet and beyond; illustrating how science is sometimes stranger than fiction.

Hearn will share the lichens inhabiting Volland’s grounds on March 23rd beginning at 2pm. Participants will learn interesting facts about lichens, basic lichen terminology, and see a wide range of lichen species thriving at Volland. She plans to bring her chemistry test kit for lichen id, national and local field guides, a couple of handheld microscopes and some loupes for looking closely at lichens. She says: “Lichens are capable of growing on glass, brick, metal, rock, branches, and occasionally animals. Lichens defy rules, behave symbiotically and can live to be over 1,000 years old. The tour will include walking around Volland’s built area, plus a walk through the Nature Trail. Please bring sturdy shoes that you do not mind getting dirty.

After the walk,  Forcefields, the musical duo of Julia Othmer (Aayama Forcefield) and James T. Lundie (Max Forcefield), will present a live performance with enhanced soundscapes and original visual projections. The concert will be a multi-media experience featuring the hand-drawn artistry of Sarah Hearn on their composition “The Symphony Of All Things.”  The Forcefields and Hearn are collaborators (much like lichens).