Talks & Thinkers
Upcoming Events
Join us for a special discussion with Jaime T. Herrell, an independent curator and education program developer, as she examines the intersection of her curatorial work and the themes of resistance, witnessing, and reclaiming space that are alive and vibrant in Eternal Testament. Herrell will take a deeper dive into a few works: Natalie Ball’s You Usually Bury the Head in the Woods Trophy Head, James Luna’s Take a Picture with a Real Indian, Marie Watt’s Placeholder (Horizon), and Cara Romero’s Last Indian Market.
Following the in-depth look at the works, Herrell will engage the audience in a thoughtful and interactive discussion, inviting a conversation that asks attendees to think beyond land acknowledgement. How do we support Indigenous artists, land sovereignty, and Indigenous futurism in tangible ways?
May 25th Query: who do you think you are?
Still, Small Voice draws its name from the idea of the "still, small voice" within—a quiet, inner voice that guides us in moments of reflection. This monthly gathering, started in 2023 as an artistic experiment, now returns as a community-led practice with rotating facilitators. It invites participants to engage in silent reflection and thoughtful sharing, centered around a question about creativity, community, and being human. We forever ever grateful for Nanao Anton & Erling Hope for their contributions, inspirations, and commitment.
This is a space to hear your and others’ authentic voices & own it in community, free of judgement or reaction, as necessary
This is not group therapy, a study group, a political action group or Quaker Meeting.
Please review our Community Values before attending.
Do you enjoy digging deeper and uncovering meaning in art? The Church’s Executive Director, Sheri Pasquarella, and the artist Wayne Gonzales invite you to join them as they build a dialogue around ten specially selected paintings that date from distant centuries past through the contemporary era. Pasquarella and Gonzales will present one-another with five paintings — which will only be revealed as the event unfolds. The pair will then spontaneously examine, discuss, and appreciate the ten paintings individually, engaging the audience with a fun conversation designed for art-appreciators of all levels of experience, whether new to art criticism or aficionados. Join the conversation! What paintings do you think will be revealed? (Insider tip: It will not be Self Portrait by Vincent van Gogh!)
“If our time on earth is to endure, we must love the earth in the strong, unsentimental way of traditional peoples, not seeking to exploit but to live in balance with the natural world.”
— Peter Matthiessen, from Indian Country
We are honored to welcome Chief Oren Lyons and Shane “Bizhiki Nibauit” Weeks as the inaugural speakers for The Matthiessen Talks, a new collaborative series dedicated to exploring the profound relationships between humanity and nature. This series, inspired by the legacy of the late Peter Matthiessen — author, explorer, naturalist, and Zen Roshi — aims to bring together voices who share his commitment to environmental stewardship, Indigenous knowledge, and spiritual harmony.
Chief Oren Lyons and Shane Weeks will each share brief presentations before engaging in a thought-provoking dialogue about generational perspectives, shared values, and the wisdom passed down through their respective cultures. They will later be joined by Rex Lyons, son of Chief Oren Lyons, who will serve as a bridge between the two generations. The discussion will be followed by an audience Q&A, moderated by Alex Matthiessen.
June 22nd Query: What does it mean to be fully alive?
Still, Small Voice draws its name from the idea of the "still, small voice" within—a quiet, inner voice that guides us in moments of reflection. This monthly gathering, started in 2023 as an artistic experiment, now returns as a community-led practice with rotating facilitators. It invites participants to engage in silent reflection and thoughtful sharing, centered around a question about creativity, community, and being human. We forever ever grateful for Nanao Anton & Erling Hope for their contributions, inspirations, and commitment.
This is a space to hear your and others’ authentic voices & own it in community, free of judgement or reaction, as necessary
This is not group therapy, a study group, a political action group or Quaker Meeting.
Please review our Community Values before attending.
Glen Johnson and Don Golde are two reliable “go-to” dudes known as Islandwide Weather. They know a thing or two about the weather, specifically Long Island weather. And they want you to know too! Find out what’s in store for us weather-wise this summer as we get the local forecast, hear the predictions for hurricane season, and learn how to glean insights from meteorological data in real-time. With over 80,000 local followers, the duo prides itself on being a reliable source for local weather updates and an active agent in community building. Following the discussion have all your burning meteorological questions answered during the Q&A.
The program is a special collaboration with the South Fork Natural History Museum’s Young Environmentalists Society (SOFO YES), and The Church is grateful for the efforts of Mare Dianora in helping to make this partnership come to life.