Sense/Make: Fieldwork—Composing Soil

What forms of life are present on a contaminated site? How do we attune ourselves to their needs in order to support a path to healing? Join us for Fieldwork— Composing Soil, the second of the three-part interdisciplinary series, Sense/Make, in which we explore the ways in which ecological remediation and creative practice bolster one another. No previous workshop participation necessary.

Beginning on a field site in Altadena, learn how to safely interact with and explore a contaminated site with Dr. Danielle Stevenson of the Centre for Applied Ecological Remediation (CAER). Investigate the composition of soil by taking and analyzing environmental samples and attending a demonstration of remediation in-the-field. Tune in to land, plants, and fungi through sensory experiments in field sketching and recording led by Arden Stern and Casey Anderson, co-founders of Trade School.

Afterwards, gather at Trade School to assemble field notes into a shared "composition" of the day and enjoy seasonal soup by Altadena-based Sparkles Soup. Sketching and recording materials will be provided, though you're welcome to bring your own.

All participants will need to complete a waiver for entry onto a contaminated site. Proper PPE (including masks, gloves, and boot covers) will be provided. The first hour of the workshop takes place at a remediation site where there will be no access to bathrooms.

$5 RSVP rate | $8 day-of door rate (no one turned away for lack of funds)

30-person limited capacity (advance reservation encouraged)

Refreshments provided.

This workshop is for ages 15+. For accessibility accommodations and questions, please contact aqz@fathomers.org.

“What manages to live in the ruins we have made?”

Anna Lowenhaupt Tsing, The Mushroom at the End of the World

Bios

Danielle Stevenson is a pioneering mycologist, environmental scientist, and educator specializing in mycoremediation and sustainable practices. She holds a PhD in Environmental Toxicology from the University of California, Riverside. She has collaborated with communities, researchers, and policymakers to implement bioremediation projects that utilize fungi and other natural systems to clean up pollutants like heavy metals and hydrocarbons. Her initiatives include Healing City Soils, which combines science and community collaboration to tackle urban pollution and support sustainable land use, and D.I.Y. Fungi, which harnesses the power of fungi to address environmental challenges such as soil contamination, pollution, and ecosystem restoration.

Casey Anderson is a musician / sound artist, creative technologist, educator, and community organizer. Casey designs and repurposes technologies to activate participatory practice, primarily involving explorations of sound, in diverse cultures and communities.

Arden Stern is a scholar of U.S. visual culture whose research focuses on the labor history of graphic design and printing. Arden is an Associate Professor of Humanities and Sciences at ArtCenter College of Design, a proud member of the ArtCenter Faculty Federation (AFT Local 5648), and has contributed to publications including the Journal of Design History, Design and Culture, Design Issues, and Print.

About Sense/Make

Sense/Make is an interdisciplinary workshop series exploring ecological remediation at the intersection of creative practice co-presented by the Centre for Applied Ecological Remediation (CAER), Trade School, and Fathomers. In three sessions unfolding throughout Fall 2025, participants are welcome to join one, some, or all workshops to learn the basics of bioremediation and meet a community of creative practitioners as we explore its poetic, political, and material dimensions: What stories live in the soil? What residues remain? And how might we compost harm into new forms of care? Designed for artists, scientists, musicians, land stewards, and community members, each session blends ecological fieldwork, creative process, and collective reflection. No experience necessary—just curiosity, presence, and a willingness to get your hands dirty.

October 11: Bioremediation 101— A Zine Workshop

November 8: Fieldwork— Composing Soil

December 13: Lab— Microbes & Monsters, Tools for Healing

Photo credit: Adam Armengual Slauson