04/25/2025
By Ellen Wetmore
This is a July 10-day residency in the Alentejo, Portugal, to study biology by doing basic lab work, and, with those results, we create art work. We do microscopy, collect local vegetation, examine DNA and marine life, study soil samples and native clay.
In the Alentejo we work with materials from an autochthonous forest featuring native cork (quercus suber) and strawberry trees (arbutus unedo). Soil samples have yielded local ochres (yellow and brown pigments) from which we make and use paint.
Our host is Cultivamos Cultura where we will stay and learn to cook local dishes. Trips include visits to the Atlantic coast near Vila Nova de Milfontes, the Mira river, and the Biodiversity Park at Ribeira do Torgal. Some funding available to UML students. Art Exhibition to follow in the fall on campus. No previous experience needed. Counts as an AH credit.
Check out the brochure for more information or contact Ellen_Wetmore@uml.edu.