Symbiocene Era Mycelium, Soils and Roots Oct 25Dec 7 at Bushel Collective - Opening Reception Oct 25

DELHI — Bushel is pleased to present “Symbiocene Era: Mycelium, Soils and Roots,” a group exhibition that explores diverse approaches to environmental awareness and collaborations with nature. Guest curated by multimedia artist, activist, and educator Kathleen Sweeney, this exhibition expands a conversation that began in Fall 2024 with the well-received exhibition that Sweeney curated for Bushel, “Symbiocene Era: Artists Envision Environmental Symbiosis.” The event will occur at Bushel Collective 106 Main Street, Delhi.

For the current show, Sweeney selected 14 New York State EcoArtists: Hovey Brock, Holly Cohen, V. XS Hou, Emily Johnston, Robin Kahn, Mary McFerran, Pareesa Pourian, Jenna Spevack, Mina Teslaru, Roberta Trentin, Monte Wilson, Farah Marie Velten, Dion Yannatos, and Jim Zivic. Each are developing creative practices that expand what it means to be responsible creators. Their varied practices include innovative material reuse, mindful  ecological sourcing of mineral and plant pigments, and limiting use of petrochemicals, plastic, acrylics, and fossil-fuel-originating paints and solvents. These artists are also co-creating systems of intersecting, interspecies communities as alternatives to dystopia and despair. Most of the artists live and maintain studios in the Catskills, with a deep commitment to environmental land stewardship. 

The term “Symbiocene,” explains Sweeney, takes its root from “Symbiosis,” or ‘living together’ to co-create and envision a world of mutual respect for all living beings, beyond the human-centrism of the post-industrial Anthropocene Era. The artists and their works in the exhibition demonstrate an understanding of a healthy mycelial network, honor our forested homelands, and encourage all of us to work together to ensure sustainable resilience of the Catskills and beyond.

A full-color catalogue accompanies the exhibition, featuring the exhibition artworks along with a behind-the-scenes view of artist tools and techniques in the studio. 

Workshops:

Sunday October 26, 12-2pm The Vertical Path with Jenna Spevack and Jeanne Lynch (off-site)

Saturday November 8, 10-12:30pm Earth Pigments Workshop with Emily Johnston (off-site)

Saturday November 15, 2-4pm, Deep Imagination Mushroom Circle with Gabriela D’Elia of Catskill Fungi (at Bushel)