Meet Fiore Art Center’s (virtual) artist-in-residence

In lieu of Open Studio Days at Maine Farmland Trust’s Joseph A. Fiore Art Center, guests can join virtual open studios this summer to learn more about what’s happening and see what the art center’s summer residents are up to. The event runs from 5 to 6 p.m. July 29.

During the July virtual open studio, guests will meet Katie Addada Shlon, the art center’s virtual performance artist in residency. Fiore Art Center welcomed Addada Shlon in July.

Addada Shlon uses the natural environment as a collaborator in their work. Their current body of work focuses on creating new instruments for sound, departing from traditional forms and structures to reframe our experience of music as bodied participants.

“Viewing the land as a living system which requires love and care, I turn my focus to restorative and regenerative agriculture practices which serve that need,” Addada Shlon said. “The issues of public health, land health, individual health, growth and nourishment are all connected but can be made invisible in everyday life.”

Addada Shlon will share her work by sharing a film. The screening will be followed by a panel conversation and audience Q&A with  Katie Addada Shlon, Heather Lyon (past performance artist and residence) and Sarah Simon (Maine Farmland Trust’s farm access and farm viability director). Opening and closing remarks will be given by Karen Giles, gallery coordinator at Maine Farmland Trust.

RSVP for the virtual open studio at https://donate-now.mainefarmlandtrust.org/event/july-virtual-open-studio/e291476 to receive a Zoom link to the event.

Artist residencies are a way for each artist to further their work as it reflects on agriculture, environment and our current times.

Check the MFT website at mainefarmlandtrust.org and social media platforms (facebook.com/mainefarmlandtrust, @mainefarms and @mft_gallery on Instagram) to follow the progress of the residents’ work and stay connected with the virtual open studio days.