Trevor Smith

Trevor Smith will outline his approach to the curating of the upcoming exhibition ‘Playtime’ at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, MA. Making the claim that play is a powerful subject for artistic production and social critique, the exhibition will feature not only artists who employ game structures but also those who enact playful behaviors to generate their work and encourage participation and critical dialogue through play.

Susan G. Solomon

Susan Solomon will give an overview of the state of playground design.  She will discuss the pitfalls as well as why we should discount myths of designer liability and children’s vulnerability.  She will also suggest, using recent examples, how we could consider turning playgrounds into more generalized and intergenerational “playscapes.”

Jen Maigret

‘Horizons of Play’ explores the potential for indeterminacy to spark imagination in the design of playgrounds and draws innovation from the tensions between safety and freedom present in spaces of play. In particular, the presentation will examine the generative potential of re-drawing lines to challenge boundaries, perceptions and expectations of play and to foster open-ended explorations and vivid experiences.

Joy Kuebler

The world of creativity can seem scary or intimidating to people whether young or old.  When people feel overwhelmed in a situation, or that they lack something valuable to contribute, they will often step back from participating.   This presentation will introduce how the simple act of playing creates a wholly new experience that empowers participants to be creative, to enthusiastically ask questions and share their insight.  Through Play, the creative process becomes truly participatory.