Access Kalamazoo - Art Hop December 2025: Community Tradition, Artist Maci Gast, and The Sunrise Gathering with the Koa Fund

Updated 14 minutes ago

In "Art and Community: A Sunrise Gathering," viewers are taken on a journey through the eyes of an artist passionate about using natural dyes to create meaningful art. Set in Kalamazoo, Michigan, this episode highlights the artist's process of using everyday materials like turmeric and butterfly pea flower to craft her colors, emphasizing the importance of earth-friendly art practices. The episode also delves into the larger community event of the Sunrise Gathering, hosted by the KOA fund, which aims to bring people together to experience art, sound, and culture. A key element of the gathering is the philosophical question posed to the community: "What sound do you make in the world?" Through various engagement activities, including a sound suit performance inspired by Nick Cave, the gathering seeks to inspire reflection and action, especially among the youth. This episode is a thoughtful exploration of how art can be both a personal and communal voice for change.

Chapters

Introduction to the Artist's Journey (00:00:01)
The program begins with an introduction to the artist's background and exploration of their creative process.

The video starts with the host introducing the program and the artist, focusing on the journey of the artist and how they began their exploration into art.
Discovering Natural Dyes (00:00:22)
The artist describes how working with natural dyes sparked their interest in using earth-derived colors.

The artist shares their experience of taking a class that involved working with natural dyes alongside their mother, which led to a deep interest in the colors available from natural sources and inspired a passion for incorporating these into their art.
Symbolism of Natural Colors (00:00:57)
The artist explains the significance of natural colors and their connection to earth and femininity.

In this segment, the artist talks about the importance of using natural colors as a statement about environmental awareness and how it ties into themes of mother nature and femininity, highlighting the cycle of life and earth's influence on art.
Environmental Statement Through Art (00:01:46)
Using art as a medium to convey the importance of caring for the earth and challenges of synthetic materials.

The artist discusses the environmental message behind their work, emphasizing the need to use safe, naturally derived materials instead of synthetic ones, and how their art aims to raise awareness about these issues.
Materials and Process (00:02:28)
The artist details the materials used in their paintings, highlighting natural ingredients like turmeric and indigo.

This section focuses on the specific natural materials the artist uses to create their paintings, including turmeric for yellow hues and butterfly pea flower for blues, describing the process of experimentation involved.
Community Impact and Personal Growth (00:03:09)
The artist reflects on sharing their work with the community and their own growth in opening up.

The artist shares their feelings about presenting their art to the community, acknowledging the nervousness and excitement of sharing their work and the desire to continue expanding their reach and influence.
Tradition and Participation (00:03:49)
The artist talks about their traditional participation in local art events with their mother.

In this segment, the artist explains the tradition of attending local art events with their mother, which has been a long-standing activity since childhood, emphasizing the cultural and familial significance.
Experiencing Culture Through Art (00:04:17)
The artist expresses the importance of cultural exposure and community traditions in America.

The artist discusses the importance of experiencing diverse cultures through art events in America, a melting pot of cultures, and reflects on the value of these experiences in understanding and appreciating cultural diversity.
Combating Ableism and Social Issues (00:05:47)
Upcoming event focused on addressing ableism and end-stage capitalism through artistic intervention.

The artist talks about an upcoming open mic event they are hosting, aimed at discussing and combating ableism and end-stage capitalism, using art as a medium for social change and awareness.
COA Fund and Community Engagement (00:07:06)
The introduction of the KOA fund and its role in community engagement through art.

This part introduces the KOA fund, a component of the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, and its annual sunrise gathering fundraiser, highlighting its mission to engage the community through artistic and cultural experiences.
Soundscape Experience (00:08:37)
An overview of the soundscape experience and its emphasis on being present and reflective.

The soundscape experience is explained as a key activity designed to make participants more aware of their auditory environment and the sounds they contribute to the world, encouraging mindfulness and presence.
Empowering Youth Through Art (00:10:42)
The organization's mission to empower youth through art and community support.

The closing segment focuses on the organization’s goal to empower youth by supporting local and regional initiatives that help young people be courageous and valiant, with all donations directed towards these causes.