The First Salon

The First Salon was convened on Wednesday, May 20, 7 PM, at Salon colada. Through the hard work and sometimes stressful preparations of many people The First Salon by all accounts was a success!

On the morning of May 19 the furnishings of our living room were removed and packed onto an American Van Lines truck for transport to MOCA on NE 125 Street. While STUFF moved out the door, one piece at a time, large black trash bags filled with comfy green pillows and cushions were squeezed in the front door by Kevin Arrow of MOCA, Fritz Haeg and Mindy. It was all surreal. Keith commented to Fritz that he suddenly realized that he might miss the STUFF! The living room was finally empty, voices echoed and were amplified. Fritz spent the remainder of Tuesday looking for more cushions and pillows – he had already exhausted Ikea’s in-store stock! Mindy and Keith cleaned – some old dirt was disclosed by the emptiness. A person from MOCA delivered a 4’ x 8’ board and two 2 by 4s (?)

Thursday came quickly and Fritz arrived early with more pillow and cushions, some new lights and two rugs, and four cement blocks - Salon colada began to take form – in GREEN. A low table was configured in front of the fireplace, pillows and cushions were placed against the walls in the other space and carpets placed in the center. It was done! – the green furnishings glowed in the naturally lit yellow room – Ann commented that it looks like a beautiful garden room.

Final preparations at Salon colada ran down to the wire. Willing participants began to flow in to inspect the new salon-friendly digs, have a drink and some food, and lively conversation in the dining room. Attending were people from all parts of our lives and people who became part of our lives only during that night – neighbors, friends, professional colleagues, artists, scientists – an array of interesting, exciting, thoughtful and interactive people. Beer, wine, and other drinks lubricated the approximately 25 guests, young and older.

Images were projected into the fireplace from under the table; these images suggested the ideas and issues that will be part of our salon series through September 15. Guests recorded their ideas on coconuts that rested on the table or in the corner behind a curtain for private conversation with a camcorder.

We finally asked everyone to grab a spot on the floor in the garden room. Keith explained the process that led us to The First Salon, then Mindy performed her poem:

Ode to Fritz, by Mindy Nelson

this is an ode to Fritz
who delivered our writs
to make us use our wits
to go out of our zone
and be less alone
and off the phone
to tone down the drone
of everyday life

to create something new
for me and you
we haven’t a clue how to do
or woo you to do
what isn’t so easy
it makes me queasy
but Fritz seems so breezy
so we tell our friends

we explain
as we squeeze their brain
they don’t seem in pain
but they think us insane
and so we declare
our stuff goes there
Fritz brings new stuff here
but wait, I don’t get it

they look bemused
totally confused
then, finally, amused?
where will you sit to watch t.v.?
to relax and read and drink your tea?
we have to go to MOCA to see
you?

no, at home we host each gathering
invite people, see what they bring
for ideas, exploring, tinkering
we hope to create opportunity
try to build community
mix some creativity
with a touch of ingenuity
and learn about what happens

an experiment of the social kind
where we are the subjects and must use our mind
do what we are not inclined
not a reality show gimmick
but to give us a kick
to find out what makes us tick
kind of ironic
that we would be picked
after all these years of watching fish and honeybees

this is an ode to Fritz wearing a Tom Sawyer smile
like Tom, it seems to beguile
as he waits awhile
to see
if we
flee
or find the key
to mixing life with art


We asked several guests to read definitions – salon...community… colada… living room… but it was the definitions of ART and SCIENCE that sparked the conversation for the remainder of the evening.

What is science, what is art, how do they differ, how are they the same? What elements drive the production and “value” of scientific investigation, what elements drive the production and value of art? What does “value” mean in art? What part do colleagues play in molding scientific research and art production? This was an amazing start that we can build on when we convene future ArtScience salons.

Billie asked: How would a scientist address the very experience we were having? How would an artist do it? It was a disarming question, the quick paced discussion halted for a few long moments of silence!