^{Open Engagement Conference 2018 at Queens Museum}

At Open Engagement (OE) 2018 – an annual, itinerant, artist-led conference in its tenth year, Bonnie Ora Sherk was invited as one of the five panelists at the session  “The Power of Time : Social Practice Eco Artists of a Certain Age”, on May 13, 2018 at Queens Museum, New York. The 90-minute panel was led by Linda Weintraub, curator, artist and author of several popular books about contemporary art. This year, the Conference was themed around Sustainability, emphasizing the field of socially engaged art, and featured distinguished artist Mel Chin and writer, curator Lucy Lippard among others. 

At the session The Power of Time, Bonnie Ora talked about her early work Crossroads Community (The Farm) as well as her ongoing eco-art project A Living Library. The presentations were followed by a discussion among the panelists comparing the past and present state of social practice art, and its various aspects including thematic focus, financial support, public interface, professional recognition, and opportunity.   

Bonnie Ora with Mel Chin, an internationally acclaimed conceptual artist, at Open Engagement 2018 at Queens Museum

Mel Chin presenting at Open Engagement 2018 at Queens Museum, New York

Bonnie Ora Sherk, seated, along with other panelists, with Wendy Brawer at podium and Lillian Ball standing, during the session The Power of Time at Queens Museum, New York

Audience at the session “The Power of Time: Social Practice Eco Artists of a Certain Age” at Queens Museum

Bonnie Ora Sherk with Aviva Rahmani at the podium during the session

Bonnie Ora talking about her early work Crossroads Community (The Farm) during her presentation at the session

Funcshuional Art, a term coined by Bonnie Ora Sherk, defines her past and present ecological art works

Bonnie Ora Sherk during her presentation at The Power of Time at the Queens Museum in NYC on May 13, 2018