Eco Grief Events
The Brueggeman Center is hosting a year-long program on ecological grief and lament as one response to Pope Francis’ call to ecological conversion through a transformation of heart and mind. Our hope is that by naming our losses, and grieving our complicity in ecological devastation, we will emerge with softer hearts and a renewed commitment to participating in the renewal of creation.
We have partnered with several departments and organizations at Xavier University to create a series of "Eco Grief" events that will use artistic expression (music, fine art, writing, film making) to explore the path from grief and loss toward lamentation and hope.
All of these events are free and open to students, faculty, and staff.
Lamentation of the Creatures: A Musical Performance
Thursday, October 24 @ 7:30pm - Gallagher Theatre
This fall, Xavier Music presents “Lamentation of the Creatures: an Eco Grief concert." Cincinnati New Music joins the Xavier Chamber Orchestra and Symphonic Wind Ensemble in a showcase of original works exploring the theme of ecological grief. The Brueggeman Center is honored to host Nashville composer Jude Traxler and Cincinnati’s Jacob Ottmer, along with Xavier composers Mary Claire Murphy, Azaria Lewis, and Michael Nicht. Join us for an evening of compelling works and daring artistry! Tickets are $10 for the public, $5 for Xavier students.
The Art of Lament: Call for Submissions
Submission Deadline: November 1, 2024
The Brueggeman Center if partnering with the Department of Art to sponsor Eco-Grief: The Art of Lament, an art exhibition exploring the emotional and environmental impact of climate change. This initiative invites artists to reflect on their experiences of ecological loss, grief, and hope through their creative work. The exhibition aims to create a space for dialogue, healing, and awareness about our planet's future.
Clocktower Review: Call for Submissions
Submission Deadline: January 13, 2025
The Brueggeman Center is proud to announce that we are partnering with Clocktower Review, Xavier University's student-produced literary journal, to create a special issue titled "Eco Grief: Love, Loss, and Lament." Clocktower's editors are currently seeking submissions in the following genres:
- prose
- poetry
- prayers
- contemplations
- visual art
Poetry Reading with Clocktower Review
Thursday, September 12 @ 4:15 - 5:30PM in the Gallagher Outdoor Amphitheater
Join the Clocktower Review, Xavier's student-produced literary journal, for an ecologically themed poetry reading in Gallagher's outdoor amphitheater. Students and faculty will read, and guests will be treated to light refreshments. The Clocktower's editors will also be announcing a contest for their next issue, so be sure to attend this event if you are interested in submitting.
Poetry Workshop with Tess Taylor
Friday, September 6 @ 10am - Noon in the NEXUS Community Garden
Climate change is a cause of great grief. The losses we're already experiencing are perhaps too much for any one person to bear. And yet, immense good remains.
On Friday, Sept. 6, students, faculty, and staff are invited to an Eco Grief poetry workshop led by writer Tess Taylor. In this workshop, Taylor will teach participants strategies for slowing down and noticing the world around them. The Eco Grief Poetry workshop will guide participants in attuning their senses to the place we inhabit to notice the interconnectedness of joy and grief, of love and loss around them. After all, as Taylor writes, "We can’t save what we don’t love." The goal of this workshop is to illuminate how careful noticing can be the grounds for radical environmental justice.
Click here to RSVP for this FREE event
Suzanne Michele Chouteau Presents: In Perspective, a solo art exhibition
Friday, August 23 - Friday, September 20, 2024 in the Xavier University Art Gallery
Xavier University and the Department of Art are pleased to present a solo exhibition – In Perspective by XU Professor Emerita, Suzanne Michele Chouteau. Beginning on August 23rd, the exhibit will be open between the hours of 10am-4pm, Monday through Friday, or by appointment.
Professor Chouteau is presenting mixed-media works that depict animals, places and people through a lens of lamentation for what has been lost and what is in peril of being lost, to draw attention to the interconnectedness of all things, and to promote a future of sustainability, peace and justice. Please join us at the artist’s “fare thee well” reception on Friday, August 23, 2024 from 3:30-6:30 p.m.