Turn On, Tune in, Drop Out: A Program for Pause

In collaboration with local artists and purveyors, Austin-based artist Emmy Laursen presents Turn On, Tune in, Drop Out, a free, open-to-the-public post-Election Day program focused on rest, recreation, and reflection at the COMMONS at the VAC. Elizabeth Hess will offer guests Gongfu cha tea service, Rebeca Proctor will lead a pinched teacup workshop wherein guests can create ceramic cups that can be picked up at a later date, Andrea Cortez will lead a sound healing experience, and artist Hannah Spector will present a new video work in the COMMONS gallery.

Emmy Laursen writes:

There’s a moment between input and output, between receiving stimulus and expression, and I wonder if we can make space for that moment, that pause, and spend a whole day in that place of processing to respond with conscious presence. 
              
“Turn On, Tune In, Drop Out” is a famous phrase coined by Timothy Leary in 1967. He recited it at the Human Be-In in San Francisco, a massive countercultural gathering organized by artists. Borrowing the mantra feels appropriate amidst continued bipartisanship, global authoritarianism, and climate change.

As an artist and arts programmer, I don’t take the availability of free and open space for granted. I think artists must have access to space and opportunity to make worlds that reflect their practice/internal world. This is an offering for others that I need for myself: a day of reflective community activities.

Turn On, Tune in, Drop Out will take place in COMMONS at the VAC between 12–5 pm with a sound bath with Andrea Cortez from 1:30–2:15 pm.

Tea service with Elizabeth Hess, sponsored by West China Tea. Pinched teacups workshop with Rebeca Proctor, sponsored by East Side Pot Shop. Cinépoème is courtesy of Hannah Spector. Andrea Cortez presents the sound healing experience.

Guests who create teacups during the workshop can pick up their works at the Visual Arts Center on Tuesday, November 26, from 12–4:30 pm.