Decoding Nature Through Sound: Acoustic Art and Bat House Building
Decoding Nature Through Sound is a two-part workshop series facilitated by artist Zorica Kelly Markovich. With ongoing construction and human intervention, bats are an endangered species in Canada due to habitat loss. Bats, though sometimes portrayed negatively, are amazing mammals that contribute to the health of ecosystems by controlling insect populations and acting as key pollinators. In this workshop, Kelly will present her recent work Signal / Return, which was created during her CFAT x Nocturne artist residency in 2020. In addition to learning about the relationship between her art practice and the ecology of bats, participants will also be guided through building their own bat house which they will be able to bring home. Bat houses are an excellent way to provide safe spaces for urban bats to nest and can even deter them from nesting in eaves and attics, causing damage to homes.
About the Artist
Zorica Kelly Markovich is a multidisciplinary artist, educator and citizen scientist working at the intersection of art, science, technology and nature. She holds a BFA from the University of Windsor and an MFA from NSCAD University. At the forefront of her work lies the complexities of interconnectedness – the deeply interwoven parallel systems of humans and those of other species. Markovich uses various mediums, materials and technologies to uncover links between human’s interplay with the environment and has been predominantly working with sound sculpture for the past three years. Her research attempts to highlight networks, reveal relationships, and frame the world in terms of human impact by engaging the public through issues of permanence and impermanence, and presence and absence, while drawing reference from biology, ecology, anthropology and neuroscience.
Location & Access
Both workshops will take place outdoors on the Mount Saint Vincent University campus near the MSVU Art Gallery exterior entrance of the Seton Academic Centre (entrance #2 on this map). The distance from the parking lot to the workshop location is 20-30 meters and 90cm wide at the narrowest point. If needed, there is a wider route nearby and workshop organizers can provide guidance. Both routes traverse paved, uneven ground. This location for both workshops is a grassy area and there will be chairs and picnic tables available The Close Listening and Bat Detection workshop will also take participants on a walk around parts of campus, which may include paved ground, gravel paths, grass and uneven ground. Participants are encouraged to bring water, sunscreen and anything else they may need to comfortably spend time outside. If you have any questions or concerns about access or COVID-19 protocols, please contact the program organizer listed below. Specific location details will be shared with registered participants in advance of the workshop.
COVID-19
Participants will be required to follow all COVID-19 protocols mandated by Public Health at the time of the workshop. Current protocols will be communicated with registered participants in advance of the workshop. Hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes will be provided.
How to Participate
This program is free to attend and all materials are provided but advanced registration is required; no experience is necessary and children ages 10+ are welcome with an adult caregiver. If you are interested in participating in one or both workshops, please email kelsey.mclaughlin2@msvu.ca by July 4 and include the following info:
- Name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Which workshop(s) you’d like to register for
- If you require ASL interpretation or have any access needs or concerns
- If you can attend the rain date Saturday, July 17 at 1:00pm-3:00pm if the workshop were to be postponed
More information about this program, location and access will be shared with registered participants via email in advance of the workshop.