Nov 20, 2018. This session will profile the work of May Farrales, Nicole Schafenacker, and Laruen Aldred, who are exploring creative, humanistic (as opposed to didactic or close-ended) engagements and methods to prompt and open new spaces of understanding in research.  May’s work with the Health Arts Research Centre and Environment, Community and Health Observatory (ECHO) Network focuses on the use of arts-based and narrative inquiry approaches to explore responses to the impact of natural resource development while Nicole’s focus is on exploring mental health realities and intimacy through embodied, visual and textual autoethnographic interventions in institutional settings to affect dialogue on health, well being and social justice. Lauren will discuss using poetry and art for illustration, she will tell stories of how connecting with nature has helped people live and die more fully, and how to help people connect to and articulate their experiences therapeutically. All three presenters are also eager to hear your own experiences using art to explore the interconnections of spirit, body and land.  So join us for this lively discussion and bring a story or two of your own to share!