This symposium came out of a desire by art hive network members to gather and learn from each other about the movement.
“It wasn’t a content driven conference,” says Timm-Bottos. “Our symposiums are very special in that we are there to listen and to gather materials from the leaders of the art hives. It makes it very interesting and different to host something like this.”
Students from the cross-listed Creative Arts Therapies and Art Education course instructed by Timm-Bottos were also involved as volunteers at the event. A mix of graduate and undergraduate students, they had the opportunity to gain experience organizing the symposium.
Day one kicked off with a story shared by Philip Otiohkwa Deering, a Mohawk elder of Kanien'kehá:ka origin.
“Deering’s story was about how we are all the same height, metaphorically speaking,” says Chainey. “The essence of his story was that we all have gifts to offer and that everyone is equal.”
Participants were invited to exchange with each other on the subject of his offering, which was the theme for the day. During the open space event in the afternoon, Chainey describes that participants could host skill-shares or conversations of their choice. Some participants shared their art-based gifts, while many chose to have group discussions addressing their burning questions and dreams.
“There was a strong sense that people mostly needed to connect with each other in the room,” she says.
New Art Hive to open on Loyola campus this Fall