A MONTH IN THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS
Overview
In September of 2025, I had the opportunity to be the Artist-in-Residence at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
I was one of six people selected for the year after submitting a project proposal and portfolio. Over the course of the month I conducted movement studies, led visitor engagement events, created two dance films, and gave a presentation of my work at the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts.
I am passionate about the way that art and the environment intersect and am so grateful to have been given the chance to dive so deeply into this topic.
Check out my projects!
Movement Study at Little Pigeon River
This project is an improvisational dance film, created by reacting to and experimenting with the environment. The focus was on letting my senses influence the tempo, texture, and shape of the movement.
Live Movement Study at Arrowmont
As part of my final presentation, I conducted a live improvised movement study inspired by an art piece in Arrowmont’s permanent collection: “Sweet Tooth” by Magda Gluszek. The goal was to create connections between performance and visual art and give an example of how choreography can be generated though improvisation.
Reclaimed
This project was filmed in and around the historic cabins at the Elkmont section of the park. It focuses on themes of coping after difficult change and nature taking over after humans leave.
