Terra Ludis: Play Ground

April 25 - November 28, 2020  | Atwell Gallery & Online

This part of the North Carolina mountains was once so isolated, that they were referred to as the Lost Provinces; now it is a place where countless individuals venture to find themselves through outdoor recreation. Terra Ludis: Play Ground profiles hiking, kayaking, climbing, fly fishing, mountain biking, and road cycling to see how and why people play games with the Earth. This exhibition is comprised of oral history interviews with nineteen individuals that are all participants in outdoor recreation and have structured their lives around their passion. Images captured by local photographer, Daniel Gajda, bring these places, people, and activities to life in the gallery.

Acknowledgments

Interview subjects: Jenny Allen, Ryan Beasley, Tom Henry, Andy Hill, Mike Mayfield, Kelly McCoy, Kathy “KB” Medford, Tracy Minton, Julie Mullis, Aaron Parlier, Eva Rand, Amy Renfranz, Eiryn Reynolds, Brian Sain, Carter Smith, Paul Stahlschmidt, Shae Tuberty, Mac Utter, Melissa Weddell. Exhibition interns, Collin Jewell and Kayla Reische.

Image Credit: Daniel Gajda. The Gift (detail), 2019. Digital photograph. Courtesy of the Artist.


- Exhibit Subjects -


Shea Tuberty, Ph.D

Aquatic ecologist & Fly fisherman
with Ruari, Golden Retriever

Photo by Collin Jewell


Kathy "KB" Medford

Kayaker, River Guide, Olympian, Amazonski

Photo by Houck Medford


Paul Stahlschmidt

Mountain Biker, Conservationist, Educator

Photo by Kristian Jackson


Amy Renfranz

Naturalist, Writer, Educator

Photo by Collin Jewell


Carter Smith

Climber, Climbing Coach, Climbing Guide

Photo by Collin Jewell


Eva Rand

Cyclist, Chemist, Dietician

Photo by Collin Jewell


Kelly McCoy

River Girl Fishing Company Owner, Fly Fisherwoman, Marine Biologist

Photo by Ashley Warren


Julie Mullis

Naturalist, Educator, Backpacker

Photo by Collin Jewell


Jenny Allen & Ryan Beasley

Rock Dimensions Owners, Climbers, Climbing Guides

Photo by Ashley Warren


Tom Henry

Appalachian Mountain Leadership Executive Director, Climber, Educator

Photo by Collin Jewell


Melissa Weddell, Ph.D.

Mountain Biker, Educator, Department Chair of Appalachian State University ‘s Recreation Management and Physical Education

Photo by Collin Jewell


Mac Utter

Backpacker, Climber, Writer

Photo by Collin Jewell


Brian Sain

Rhoddie Bicycle Outfitters co-owner, Cyclist

Photo by Collin Jewell


Mike Mayfield, Ph.D.

Hydrologist, White Water Enthusiast, Educator

Photo provided by Mike Mayfield


Aaron Parlier

Center 45 Climbing & Fitness co-owner, Climber, Conservationist

Photo by Collin Jewell


Eiryn Reynolds

Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker, Photographer, Backpacker

Photo provided by Eiryn Reynolds


Andy Hill

Watauaga Riverkeeper, Fly Fisherman, Conservationist

Photo provided by Andy Hill


Tracy Minton

Conservationist, Naturalist, Park Superintendent at Elk Knob State Park

Photo by Ashley Warren


Terra Ludis: Play Ground Interactive Map

The outdoors are especially dear to us during these hard times, and we want to remind you that nature is still open!

We created this map to highlight and celebrate outdoor recreation in the High Country and we hope it may inspire your next trip.

We encourage you to continue practicing social/physical distancing (which many of these activities are perfect for) and to be mindful of the effects of trail/river traffic on the environment.

The places on the map reflect locations highlighted in the interviews in this exhibition.

Please note: Some of the locations may be closed due to social distancing measures. Please check before going out and respect the closures.

What’s your favorite nature play ground?

We would love for you to contribute to our map! Click on the link below to complete our brief form and we’ll add it!


BRAHM at Home Related Content

BRAHM at Home allows you to experience art & discover history from home! The following content provides a closer look at this exhibition.


Thanks for Visiting!

We pride ourselves on creating quality content that highlights & uplifts our community. We are grateful for your time and attention and hope you enjoyed these interviews, photographs, and interactive exhibition.

Please share with your friends!

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