Our Earth, Our Future

Although we did not ride the roller coaster on the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, we still had thrills and chills aplenty — a walk on the beach (yes, there was plastic), a chance to "talk shop" with Judith's sister Janis, a delicious Indian meal at Namaste, and a drive around UCSC campus that took us both down memory lane (we both taught there in the 90s). Though we never met in Santa Cruz, we are sure that we must have criss-crossed paths. It was fun to reminisce and to rekindle some fading memories.

There was a lively crowd in attendance at the opening reception for One Earth, One Future at the Cabrillo Gallery in Aptos on view March 17 - April 18.  We are happy to show our work with an illustrious group of familiar and new artist friends: Tanja Geis, Kalie Granier, Kara Maria, Jane Olin and Beatrice Thornton.

The gallery writes:

In response to this time when our planet’s health is at a dangerous tipping point due to climate change and pollution, many artists have set their sights on environmental concerns and use their art as a tool for grassroots ecological activism: as testimony to raise awareness and as a call to action. Our Earth, Our Future presents work by artists who share a common interest in promoting environmental sustainability and stewardship through their art.

A video survey of the show.

On the back wall, our series of prints "Known Quantity."

Reminiscent of drawers in a cabinet of wonders, each print panel is a collection of similar found objects:  combs, tiparillo tips, toys, lemon juice bottles, hair clips, soldiers, disposable lighters, balls, and cheese spreaders. 

Along the baseboard underneath our prints is "With Color." 

On a shelf piled with a visual medley of shards/fragments of identifiable/unidentifiable we arranged colorful pieces of beach plastic. We are always amazed at the vibrancy of what catches the eye and how the color and texture of plastic stands out from the sand.

In the front, a stack of our "Sea Food, See Food, Sea Life."

We present a line of imaginary tinned fish (faux-fish), where the labels are inspired by oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle’s famous aphorism, “Remember, it’s not Seafood, it’s Sealife!” 

On Stage, On Screen, at the Rafael

 

 Do I Need This? is a quirky and relatable award-winning documentary film about American excess, and the stuff from which happiness is truly made. The timely, humorous, and moving film delicately interweaves the filmmaker’s complicated relationship to her family possessions, together with a journey into the homes and minds of her fellow Americans - from a woman who hoards and hides it, to a Buddhist monk, and a colorful group of characters in between.

View this email in your browser   SUNDAY, MARCH 16 4:30 PM SMITH RAFAEL FILM CENTER 1118 FOURTH STREET • SAN RAFAEL   SCREENING FOLLOWED BY AN ON-STAGE CONVERSATION WITH AWARD-WINNING FILMMAKER KATE SCHERMERHORN Joining Kate on stage will be representatives from the Alzheimer's Association, ZeroWaste Marin, Reuse Alliance, and Local Artists featured in the film Judith Selby and Richard Lang. PLEASE RSVP BY 12:00 PM ON SUNDAY, MARCH 16 RSVP VIEW TRAILER DO I NEED THIS? is a sugar-coated environmental film which delicately interweaves Emmy-winner Kate Schermerhorn’s complicated relationship to her family's material possessions, every object seemingly imbued with meaning and memories, together with a journey into the homes and minds of her fellow Americans - from a woman who hoards to a Buddhist monk. When Kate's mother falls ill with dementia, Kate starts to search, instead, for the stuff that really matters. Unlike many other films exploring American excess, Do I Need This? focuses not on our impact on nature, but instead on our human nature to consume. On the surface, Do I Need This? is a joyride through American excessive consumption habits; at its core, it is a deep and genuine reflection on aging, legacy, and happiness. Much of Do I Need This? takes place in Marin, and features Marin residents. Director: Kate Schermerhorn (US, 2024) 94 min. KATE SCHERMERHORN is an Emmy-winning filmmaker, still photographer, and a Culinary Institute of America graduate. Kate has directed 100s of videos, including three feature length documentaries, won an Emmy and been nominated for one more. Additionally, Kate has also won multiple Tellies and other prestigious awards. Kate has tackled topics from marriage to earthquakes, published a book of photographs about things Americans do for fun, lived in four countries, and has lived in Marin County for the past 14 years. The New Yorker said of Kate’s work, ‘nothing seems wasted, and nothing is excessive.’   Presented by Luna Park Productions in partnership with The Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center is fully ADA compliant. All auditoriums, restrooms and all other public areas of the theater are accessible.  Assistive Listening and Closed Caption Devices are available. These devices can be easily requested at the box office. Copyright © 2025 California Film Institute, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email due to your interest in and support of California Film Institute Programs. Our mailing address is: California Film Institute 1001 Lootens Place Suite 220 San Rafael, CA 94901

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Climate Progress

Many thanks to the Fairfax Climate Action Committee and the San Anselmo Climate Action Commission!!!

Last evening was just the boost we needed to lift us from the despair of politics gone awry.

CA State Assemblymember Damon Connolly is a fighting champ. So glad to have him representing us in Sacramento.

 

The earnest young people with their thoughtful questions gave us real hope for the future.

And applause for Renee Goddard and her graphic exposition about the contents of our garbage can. 

We always happy to be the “plastic people” and share our One Plastic Beach movie.

We are ever delighted to watch people make art and have a hands-on experience with the problem of plastic pollution.

We are grateful to be included in the engaging and important program; 

giving us an opportunity to do what we as artists/artivists can do.

ONward…

With love…

Up and Coming

We are off to a whiz-bang start to 2025 with two important events coming up in Fairfax, CA.

On February 7, we are pleased to join with Damon Connolly our CA State Assemblymember 

for a meeting with the Climate Action Committees of San Anselmo and Fairfax.

On February 28, we will be joining in the Q&A with director/producer Kate Schermerhorn and colleague/collector Rudy Contratti. 

A few pics from the stellar evening:

Richard, Judith, Rudy, Kate