About deCordova Book Club: Nature Sanctuary

Celebrate art, nature, and community with the deCordova Book Club! In June, August, and October, we will read a book inspired by the exhibition Nature Sanctuary, now on view at deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum. Each book club meeting will take place near one of the original, site-inspired commissions of Nature Sanctuary and will be facilitated by Lauren Artiles, Director of Operations and Partnerships at GrubStreet. Light bites and refreshments provided.

Check your local library or bookstore for copies of each month’s book.

Each session requires separate registration. Come for one or all sessions!

• June 18: “The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World” by Robin Wall Kimmerer
• About the book: A bold and inspiring vision for how to orient our lives around gratitude, reciprocity, and community, based on the lessons of the natural world.
• August 20: “The Painted Drum” by Louise Erdrich
• About the book: A lyrical novel of a priceless Ojibwe object and the effect it has had on those who have come into contact with it over the years.
• October 8: “Soil: The Story of a Black Mother’s Garden” by Camille T Dungy
• About the book: Poet and scholar Camille T. Dungy recounts the seven-year odyssey to diversify her garden in the predominantly white community of Fort Collins, Colorado.

About the Facilitator: Lauren Artiles (she/they) is the Director of Operations and Partnerships at GrubStreet. In this role, she oversees the management of the Center for Creative Writing, both creatively and operationally; supervises GrubStreet’s events, membership program, and partner initiatives; and works to cultivate a warm, welcoming third place where every writer feels at home and empowered at each stage of their artistic journey. Lauren teaches and writes short fiction. She received an MFA in Writing from CalArts and is an alum of GrubStreet’s Short Story Incubator program. Lauren’s writing has been supported by a Vermont Studio Center Fellowship. Outside of work, her greatest pleasures include reading freaky little novellas, cooking elaborate meals for loved ones, watching horror movies, and tending to both her real garden and her garden of carefully curated playlists.

Cancellation Policy:  In the event The Trustees cancels a program due to severe weather, low enrollment, or other circumstances, we will notify registrants by email and issue a full refund or transfer to another scheduled program within two weeks of the cancellation. To cancel a reservation, please reach out 7 days prior to the start of the program to receive a full refund. Refunds and transfers may not be granted for cancellations placed fewer than 7 days before the start of the program.

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