At 5’ 4” and 120 pounds, large animal veterinarian Kelsey Martin has had her hands full going up against Montana’s finest 2,000-pound beef cattle on a daily basis.
Kelsey combines corny, country-fried comedy with honest, gritty vulnerability to discuss a profession often viewed as noble, but that also has a darker, more complicated side.
Kelsey is one of eleven presenters at the next PechaKucha Night(s). The events will be held at Downtown Bozeman’s Ellen Theatre on Wednesday and Thursday, September 10th and 11th. Both shows begin at 6:40pm and feature the same lineup of speakers each night.
Most of us are more familiar with the veterinarians who take care of our dogs and cats. Mary Sadowski, writer, photographer and pet-lover, will describe an epidemic of overcrowded pet shelters – and ways we can all make a difference. There are an estimated 3-5 million dogs, puppies, cats and kittens surrendered or rescued every year.
In keeping with the eclectic nature of PechaKucha, Sandra Oldendorf’s presentation is titled “I Went to College and Joined the Circus.” A farm girl, Sandra entered Illinois State University in Normal, IL as a math major, but also began nearly four years riding a unicycle and being twirled around on a rope above the university arena.
But you don’t have to join a circus to have fun. Katie Dolen, co-founder of State of Play, a play and art space for families, will show us how early experiences in play and creative expression are the key to building resilient, curious and empathetic humans.
Unfortunately, says Allison Bryan, social connections are now being frayed by digital devices and artificial intelligence. The founder of Physical Space, an interdisciplinary architecture practice, will explore the role of physical space in fostering authentic, in-person relationships, as well as connection with self.
For some, the normal challenges of growing up and negotiating our way through life are made much more challenging. Brianna Daniels lost a limb to cancer as a child, but was able to rebuild her life after moving to Montana and finding Eagle Mount and the adaptive community. The outdoors became her sanctuary and helped her transform personal adversity into purpose.
The challenges we face take many forms. Jelani Mahiri will present on “Blacks in Diving.” Mahiri, a springboard diver in college, will describe the history of diving and racial politics around pools and tell us about black divers today.
The news is dominated these days by election controversies and challenges to voting laws. Patti Steinmuller will present on the key role the League of Women Voters plays locally and nationwide in educating voters and promoting voting. The nonpartisan group was founded in 1920 by suffragists.
Gallatin High School senior Ezra Graham notes that ever since frontier days, the Mountain West has attracted writers and journalists. The young journalist will draw from historical records and his own newspaper collection to shed light on the forgotten stories that have helped shaped rural journalism.
Benjamin Griffin looks back at the Montana of the past to explore the life and legacy of his grandfather, Ed, a Montana legislator and poet. His presentation, “The Absence of Whales,” reflects on what remains when someone is gone.
To guarantee attendees a full dose of color and humor, the peripatetic Missy O’Malley, frequent PK emcee, charity auctioneer and media personality will offer her very personal take on the two-dollar bill, and its storied role in her family traditions.
Justin Barth, director of development for Gallatin Valley Land Trust, returns for his third stint as emcee.
Presenting sponsor is the Bozeman Art Museum. Tickets are available at www.theellentheatre.com for $9 (including facility fee). Students may purchase tickets at the door for $5.50.
PechaKucha (peh-chak-cha) offers anyone with a passion or a vision – designers, artists, inventors, architects, adventurers, entrepreneurs – an opportunity to share their ideas with the community during a fast-paced, friendly social get-together. There’s just one catch: presenters have only 20 slides x 20 seconds each, a total of 6 minutes, 40 seconds! •
