Gordon Hempton & Perri Lynch Howard: ACA 2024 Artists-in-Residence

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

The ACA Soundscape Field Station, a collaborative effort between the Atlantic Center for the Arts in New Smyrna Beach and Canaveral National Seashore, proudly announces the selection of sound artists Gordon Hempton and Perri Lynch Howard as its artists-in-residence for 2024. This unique residency program, situated at the historic Doris Leeper House within the Canaveral National Seashore, aims to bring together musicians, composers, and ecologists to explore groundbreaking approaches for preserving a healthy and harmonious soundscape for current and future generations.

The Atlantic Center for the Arts, with over 45 years of history, has been at the forefront of producing artist-in-residency programs that consistently attract distinguished artists from across the globe. From February 10 to March 16, 2024, Gordon Hempton and Perri Lynch Howard will immerse themselves in creative endeavors at the Doris Leeper House, recently designated a National Historic Place.

Gordon Hempton, an Emmy award-winning field recordist, gained international acclaim for his notable project, "One Square Inch," a designated area of silence nestled within the Hoh Rainforest of Olympic National Park. Hempton's commitment to preserving quiet spaces led him to establish the non-profit organization Quiet Parks International (QPI), advocating for the conservation of quiet for the benefit of all life. Teaming up with Perri Lynch Howard and other collaborators, QPI envisions "a world that offers quiet within and without," emphasizing daily access to tranquility and opportunities to connect with the sounds of nature. According to Hempton, saving quiet is synonymous with safeguarding the essence of everything else.

As part of their residency, the public can attend several free events:

• March 2, 2024, 1 PM: Sound & Story at ACA Harris House
• March 2, 2024, 5:30 PM: Artist Talk with Perri Lynch Howard at ACA Harris House
• March 8, 2024, 7 PM: Sound is an Expression of Space at ACA Main Campus Amphitheater
• March 9, 2024, 11 AM: Soundwalk at Canaveral National Seashore (meeting point: Eldora State House)

These events offer a unique opportunity for the community to engage with the artists, delve into the world of soundscapes, and explore the intersection of art, nature, and conservation. The ACA Soundscape Field Station continues to foster creativity and environmental awareness, contributing to a future where the preservation of quiet is integral to the well-being of individuals and the planet.