Each year the Catto Center hosts several extraordinary people, whose work is an expression of their profound relationship with the natural world. These mentors will be drawn from many areas of the human endeavor… They may include artists, scientists, authors, scholars, musicians, photographers, indigenous elders, crafts people, poets, philosophers, or farmers among others.
While at Toklat, they will be invited to practice their craft, whether it be weaving, painting, writing, or studying butterflies… In return for the opportunity to find inspiration within the majestic surroundings in the upper Castle Creek Valley, each will be invited to engage with the Roaring Fork Valley community in some way…through working dialogue, retreat, a class, or other reciprocity. As part of this interaction, each participant will have on display some aspect of their work, showing how it is inspired by a deep connection with nature.
Past Toklat Residents included:
Summer 2011
• Bulmaro Manuel Perez: A weaver and natural pigment artist from Teotitlan del Valle, Oaxaca, Mexico, September 2011. His presentation about traditional pigments was very educational!
• Dr. Cherilynn Morrow: Georgia State University Professor of Astronomy, August 2011. She presented a lecture: An Evening at Toklat - Ask an Astronomer.
• Elena Gonzales: An indigenous weaver from Oaxaca, Mexico, June - September, 2011.
Summer 2010
• Elissa Rodman: A local artist, August 2010. August 17. She hosted An Evening at Toklat - Natural Building Sculptures and huaraches workshop.
• Madelyn Sullivan: A local artist, August 2010. She hosted An Evening at Toklat - Natural Building Sculptures and huaraches workshop.
• Sarah Peterson: A local artist and instructor, July 2010. Sarah taught Watercolors and Wildflowers, a three-day watercolor workshop at Toklat.
• Dr. Boyce Drummond: Biologist and biological consultant, June 2010
• Elena Gonzales: An indigenous weaver from Oaxaca, Mexcio, June - September, 2010
Feel free to stop by and engage in a conversation with our visiting artists and scholars throughout the summer. Do you know an exceptional artist, craftsperson or scholar? E-mail us suggestions for future Toklat Residency candidates at aces@aspennature.org