Society of Woman Geographers

6:00 Gathering, wine and cheese 6:30 Program Artist Imogene Drummond will present “Wandering and Walking: Facing the Unknown” about her recent three month “walkabout” in Scotland and Spain. Fascinated by the convergence of sea, sky, and soil, she focused on the Hebridian Isles in Scotland, and the countryside and coast of Catalonia, Spain. Alluring images illuminate her journey and the process of wandering, or as cultural historian and author Rebecca Solnit calls it, “getting lost.” After 35 years creating vibrant art and films, Imogene felt an inexplicable urge to disconnect from her familiar world and explore foreign lands with no agenda except to walk. Unsure whether she was daft or sage, she nonetheless shelved her Divine Sparks book proposal and documentary film project (with filming “in the can”). Traveling solo on public transportation, lodging with locals, and walking on country roads in remote areas, Imogene discovered some of wandering’s surprising benefits. These include opportunities to open oneself to fresh perspectives and insights, forge other identities, and “create new maps” (neurologically and psychologically). Foremost was the possibility for newfound vitality by facing and embracing the unknown. In conclusion, she’ll share what has changed for her now. Presentation followed by Q & A. For more information about Imogene’s art, visit her website at: www.imogenedrummond.com. Our Speaker: Imogene Drummond, M.F.A., M.S.W., A.C.S.W., is an internationally collected artist, award-winning filmmaker, artist/educator, author of articles about cultural transformation, former psychotherapist, and world traveler. Imogene has undertaken numerous art expeditions and painted in situ in tropical landscapes around the world, created art films about creativity, and developed a multimedia educational creativity program for children. Her Divine Sparks Creativity Program facilitates empowerment by developing individual creativity. Her article "Options for the Future: Transforming Patriarchy through a Process of Cultural Metamorphosis" is the closing piece in the thought-provoking anthology The Rule of Mars: Readings on the Origins, History and Impact of Patriarchy, edited by SWG member Cristina Biaggi. The book was endorsed by Pulitzer Prize-winning scientist and author Jared Diamond, and highly recommended by Choice magazine. Imogene has an M.F.A. from MICA (the Maryland Institute College of Art)—one of the country's premier art schools—and an M.S.W. from The Catholic University of America.