The Friends of the Lehigh University Libraries invite you to join us on Thursday, October 30 at 2:00 p.m. for a showing of Rooted: A Documentary Film about Artists Embracing Place followed by a panel discussion at 6:30 p.m. in Linderman Library 200. Both events are free and open to the public.
About the film
Rooted: A Documentary Film about Artists Embracing Place celebrates Bethlehem’s transformation from a steel town to an arts town. Through over 200 hours of interviews, new and archival footage, and music, the film traces fifty years of creative renewal as artists helped shape a post-industrial community grounded in collaboration, social justice, and a deep sense of place. Narrated by arborist and artist Anisa George, Rooted draws on the metaphor of trees taking root in Bethlehem’s Lenape soil, featuring seven tree-planting ceremonies honoring local artists. Since premiering at the SouthSide Film Festival, the film has been screened nationally and will ultimately be preserved in Lehigh University Libraries’ Special Collections as a lasting record of the region’s artistic legacy.
About the panel discussion
Following the screening, the panel “Whither Shall We Follow—A Conversation About Our Art Ecosystem” will explore how communities can nurture thriving cultural environments. Moderated by Jan Cohen-Cruz, author, artist, and nationally recognized professor in the field of arts and community, the discussion brings together voices from education, faith, and the arts: Rev. Dr. Greg Edwards, Senior Pastor at Resurrected Life Community Church and community leader; Kevin Lahoda, Lehigh Assistant Professor of Design, developer, designer, producer, and educator in the fields of networked technologies and culture; Bridget George, past Executive Director of the Bach Choir of Bethlehem, former Producing Artistic Director of Touchstone Theatre, and collaborating artist on the film "Rooted"; David Mickenberg, past Director of the Allentown Art Museum and President of the Lehigh Valley Cultural Alliance; and Boaz Nadav-Manes, University Librarian at Lehigh University.
Guided by short video clips on collaboration, education, and the value of place, panelists and audience members will consider how to balance local and outside artistic influences, strengthen support for the arts, and imagine a thriving creative ecosystem for Bethlehem and the Lehigh Valley.
Visitors will have the opportunity to see archival material from selected organizations represented in the film, including newsletters, posters, audio-visuals, and a scrapbook.
Light refreshments will be served.
Directions and parking
Visitors may park at nearby metered spots or pay-by-plate zones. Additional parking information can be found on the Parking Services website.
Sponsored by The Friends of the Lehigh University Libraries.
Photo: H. Scott Heist