In the spirit of the sacred fool, who knows both all and nothing, Fools gather to share, challenge, and support one another's work in imagination, myth, and poiesis. We are creators, thinkers, and wonderers of all shapes and sizes, coming together as colleagues to share the brilliance and foolishness of our new ideas, find sustenance in community, allies, and indulge in fabulous food and crystalline conversation..
These gatherings are unique opportunities to forge new friendships and strengthen old ones in a collegial setting. We invite participants to join in the planning process, so we are co-imagining what the event will be: at their best, these are events both by and for the community. Opportunities to share include:
- Biography/Statement of Interests
Participants share a short bio as they register, which is posted on the website and in a printed program for the weekend. - Presentation/Workshop Invitation
Participants are most cordially invited to propose a topic for a workshop/conversation/presentation. A few things to think about:- There really aren't any rules, but...
- We're most interested in experiences that are about co-creation. So -- think about the ideas you're interested in working in terms of dialogue rather than lecture, or a hands-on experience, or a joint exploration of an idea that you're working.
- The length of time available for these is determined as we get a sense of the number of Fools who wish to do a star turn at each gathering.
- Topics should address (however foolishly!) the "big idea" of the gathering; we work together with presenters to make sure they're jazzed about what they're facilitating, and that it will fit into the arc of the weekend.
- Friday Night Open Mic
Be it poetry, improv, a magic act, a kazoo orchestra, your impression of Freud, or what have you, come and share your talents at our Foolish Open Mic. This has been a high point of both year's event, with some tour de force performances that truly ranged from the sublime to the ridiculous. Can you top 'em? - Printed Gathering Program
We'll also create a printed program with participants' bio's and contact information so you've got a reference for all of your fellow Fools when you leave. - "Poster" Displays
W e invite you to think about bringing some representation or your work or plans with you when you come. In the tradition of academic conferences, wherein participants often create "posters" outline their research, we are going to offer a Fools Gallery of representations of our work. These can be the traditional poster, if you want, or you are welcome to get creative with your medium. Perhaps you're doing sculpture, or writing poetry, or baking mythic cookies. Think of this as your opportunity to show and tell. What are you working on that's intriguing you? What do you want to crow about? What could you use contacts, assistance, and partners in crime with as you move forward? These shouldn't be room-sized installations (bummer, because that would be fun, but we don't have unlimited space); instead, think picture size or something that would fit on a table top along with other works. You're welcome to include sign-up sheets, etc. to capture information from fellow Fools. During the course of the weekend, we'll build in a couple of opportunities to both man your display and wander to see others' so we all have a chance to explore what we're bringing! - Book Store
At each Fools Gathering, we invite our co-sponsors and any attending Fools who have books or other merchandise to set up a sales area, so you can sell, barter, or sweet talk materials from one another!