In this class, taught on the occasion of Lorenz’s exhibition in Usdan Gallery, students study the landscape from Bennington to Stillwater, following the course of the Walloomsac and Hoosic Rivers. The group will look at the history of land use in the watershed, examine current ecological issues, and think about ways that current actions might affect the land. Each session, students will make a short presentation of their research, and then explore the area, hiking, driving, and observing the landscape. These “ground truthing” expeditions are meant to compare data and information for studying against what one can observe and feel. Through phenomenological exercises, gathering notes on direct experience of the landscape, participants will construct their own image of the future. Marie Lorenz, who lives and works in New York City, roots her work in exploration and narrative. In her ongoing project ‘The Tide and Current Taxi’ Lorenz takes participants through New York waterways in boats that she designs and builds, using tidal currents to propel the boat. She also has traversed sites including the Erie Canal and Colorado River in Texas and while at Bennington will plan a summer journey down the Hudson River.