Composer JG Everest’s latest site-specific sound+ performance installation is being composed and designed for the old-growth forest in northern Minnesota, known as “The Lost 40” because it was spared the lumber clearcutting of the late 19th century due to a surveying error. (or so the legend goes…) As an extension of his NaturePLACE artist residency that began with the US Forest Service in 2024, Everest has long dreamed of creating one of his spatial “symphonies” for this powerful and magical place amongst the towering Red and White Pines that used to dominate the northern Minnesota landscape.
As part of the project, Everest is collaborating with local artists and community members through a series of free, outdoor community Art + Nature workshops held onsite in the Lost 40 forest in the week leading up to the premiere event on Saturday Oct 31.
Site-Specific Art + Nature Workshops (FREE!)
MAKE “NATURE FRAMES” in Nature! (Natural Sculptures Workshop) FREE & FAMILY FRIENDLY!
No experience or materials necessary. Led by US Forest Service Naturalist Nicole Dee, participants can make their own “Nature Frame” sculptures using natural materials – sticks and leaves – to create a hanging “stained glass” picture frame to hang in the forest for the Sound Garden event. Participants can make two sculptures to take one home, if they wish.
WHAT TO BRING: Water bottle, bug spray, camp chair / stool, snacks.
SPATIAL SOUNDS & MUSIC in NATURE Saturday Oct 24 2-4pm FREE
No Experience necessary. Learn to listen and hear mother nature’s concert in the forest in new ways! Composer JG Everest leads an outdoor, site-specific spatial sounds in nature workshop, where participants practice “deep listening” techniques and join in creating spontaneous spatial scores with the “Human Windchimes” instrument.
WHAT TO BRING: Water Bottle, comfortable hiking shoes or boots, clothing appropriate for the weather (temps and precipiation). Rain or Shine.
Optional: Participants may bring their own instruments to play at the end of the workshop, but not required.
POETRY in NATURE Sunday Oct 25 12-3pm FREE
No experience necessary. Appropriate for ages 14 & up. Kids under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Explore your own creativity and learn about this amazing old growth forest!
After a guided nature walk led by Chippewa National Forest Naturalist Nicole Dee, and some writing prompts and historical background, participants will choose a spot in the forest to write and then share with the rest of the group. The resulting poems / pieces can optionally be printed and included in the Lost 40 Sound Garden installation that will take place a week later, on Saturday Oct 31. Co-led by Teaching Artists Shanai Matteson (from Fire In The Village) and JG Everest.
WHAT TO BRING: Water Bottle, Camp Chair (if you have one), Writing materials (notebook, journal, pen, pencil, phone, etc) snacks.
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.