Join us on February 8^th at 7pm for a screening and conversation with artist Kalie Granier and members of the Ohlone/Costanoan-Esselen Nation, Chairwoman Louise J. Miranda Ramirez and Alexandria Casares. The speakers will discuss the short film A’ai, which imagines the perspective of a pelican lamenting the recent kelp forest decline along the central California coast, warning of the consequences for the ecosystem at large. Chairwoman Ramirez and Alexandria Casares collaboratively translated Granier’s script into Ex’celen and the film features Casares as its narrator and performer. 

Event is located on the 3rd floor of the Institute of the Arts and Sciences building, 100 Panetta Ave.

This event is free and open to the public but space is limited. RSVP is required.

Louise J. Miranda Ramirez is Tribal Chairwoman of the Ohlone/Costanoan-Esselen Nation (OCEN). OCEN is a historically documented, previously recognized tribe. OCEN is the legal tribal government representative for over six hundred enrolled members of Esselen, Carmeleno, Monterey Band, Rumsen, Chalon, Soledad Mission, San Carlos Mission and/or Costanoan Mission Indian descent of Monterey County. All OÇEN Tribal Members are the indigenous people of Greater Monterey County, California, with proof of ancestry documented in original recordings found in Carmel Mission and Soledad Mission. Louise is Esselen, Chumash and Yaqui. She is the Great-Granddaughter of Thomas Santos Miranda and Inez Agnez Garcia Miranda, each Esselen and recorded as the Monterey Band of Monterey at the Sur Rancheria in 1906. As Chairperson her greatest responsibility is the cultural protection of OCEN Ancestors.

Kalie Granier is a French interdisciplinary artist currently based in California. Her artistic practice delves beneath the surface, exploring the profound interdependence that exists between humans and non-human entities. Her work serves to illuminate imbalances both social and ecological while also envisioning alternative narratives that might lead to a more equitable future. In addition to her artistic endeavors, Kalie is a co-founder of Loud Spring, a European-American Art Tank/Collective that operates as a 501(c)(3) organization. Kalie holds a Master of Arts (MA) degree from the ESAG, Penninghen School of Visual Art in Paris. Her work has been exhibited in various galleries and museums across the United States, Europe and Argentina. She is a frequent guest speaker at UCSC, Cabrillo College, and Santa Clara University.