Artists in Conversation

Artists in Conversation - Discovery and Innovation $5.00 Friday, September 5, 2025; 4-6pm $5.00 (RSVP BY DONATION) No one will be turned away for lack of funds Join us for a lively and insightful round table discussion that brings together a group of experts exploring the intersection of play, creativity, and artistic expression. Adriel Ahern – Children’s Librarian at the Sebastopol Regional Library, who brings a literacy-focused perspective on how stories, games, and community programming cultivate creativity in young minds. David Klitsner – Inventor and designer behind dozens of award-winning toys, offering a deep understanding of how design and play spark engagement. Michael McGinnis – Toy inventor and professor known for creating the 3D labyrinth game Perplexus, whose work bridges engineering, imagination, and hands-on learning. This discussion takes place in conjunction with the Art of Play exhibition, which asks: How does play influence art making? How do artists interpret the concept of play in their work? From whimsical abstractions and imaginative use of materials to works reflecting on childhood, toys, and playgrounds, the exhibition showcases diverse approaches to these questions. Together, the exhibition and this discussion invite audiences to consider the essential, joyful, and transformative role of play in both art and life.