The Emergency Was Curiosity from Ruby member Christie George is a body of work inspired by Jenny Odell’s How to Do Nothing. Christie initiated the project during the first pandemic summer of 2020. Sheltering in her home at the Russian River, Christie found herself returning again and again to Jenny’s remarkable book. The project was originally developed as a personal creative response - a means of remixing Jenny’s ideas through hand-drawn illustrations, collages, watercolors and personal essays about the ways these ideas became more relevant during the pandemic. Inspired by Jenny’s observations about the interconnectedness of species and ways to cultivate individual creative attention, Christie developed her own practice of attention. What started as a book report evolved into an exhibition and series of events to practice doing nothing in community.
The Ruby has played a critical role in the development of this project - from the Artist’s Way book club to pandemic poetry classes. What better way to celebrate than to gather together! The event will include an exhibition of the project, including interactive activities and a book report station. Bring a bottle to share and your favorite snack. Think comfort food - snacks that help you focus, nourishment for care and repair. Christie will be joined in conversation by writer Courtney Martin, whose own Examined Family newsletter on care and community has influenced the project. The conversation will be followed by a dance party by DJs Samala and Mama K. Limited edition copies of the book report will be available for purchase.
6:00 Exhibition, Activities and Snack Potluck
7:00 Courtney Martin and Christie George in Conversation
8:00 Dance Party