BMC is gone. What's next?

HOW DO I APPLY? This is the question many young people ask when they learn about Black Mountain College. The school no longer exists ~ it closed in 1956 amidst the McCarthy Era, where folks were reporting their neighbors for communist activities. This was a terrifying time in American history, and feels eerily similar based on what is happening currently in America.

Where is the new Black Mountain College? Well, Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa NC employs the work program. Naropa in CO has an exceptional writing and master's programs, and other schools offer learning-by-doing models.

Now, perhaps technical colleges offer more hands-on learning than 4 year institutions. Now, perhaps, one-on-one learning with a wise elder tucked away in the mountains maybe more conducive to reaching new heights. BMC had mentors who far exceeded what folks are used to today "classes at Black Mountain could last 24 hours" said Jonathan Williams from the documentary film FULLY AWAKE.

Getting creative for education is critical in this new era of AI and social media. What is it to learn deeply? To go into the depths of your being to think, learn, compare and become YOU?

CONVERSATIONS FROM THE ROAD

Just over 2 weeks into my journey across America, I have been inspired and galvanized by the conversations with the folks who attend FULLY AWAKE screenings. We are mainly screening in community centers and back yards, as a way to create more intimate connection for more lively conversations.

In New Orleans, the audience shared their desire for this type of education, with one audience member sharing how her high school students begged her to open her own school...and she did! Spectrum Arts NOLA is rooted in creativity, rising through community, and reimaging the future. We are deeply inspired by creative out-of-the-box solutions we can enact when we have courage and a community to support leaping into the unknown.

In Austin, artists and young folks led the dialogue, noting the cis white male leadership at the College, which is certainly a part of its history. While BMC integrated before most southern schools and had many women in leadership positions. it was still very much a school of its time...and in 1933, white men were the core of leadership.

In Manitou Springs, we talked about manmade laws and how can we bring BMC into our daily lives. One audience member spoke of her 16 year old son who is more interested in his screens than community. One possible answer from founder John Andrew Rice might be: increase the invitations to experiences in life (a line in FULLY AWAKE) ~ ideally through the arts ~ to physically engage and become active with hands-on opportunities to create.

We are now in Denver, with a screening tonight at the Goddess Temple. What will this conversation illuminate? We will know soon enough. Dwelling in the Mystery has been one of my favorite parts of this film tour. Stay tuned!

ART IS AN EXPERIENCE.

~ Josef Albers

What happens when you pair an experimental education with art at its core? Not an arts school, but a school that values CREATIVITY & CURIOUSITY? Not to train artists, but to birth FULLY AWAKE students into citizens able to think critically, live communally, sustainably and joyfully?

This is a theme woven throughout our documentary film, FULLY AWAKE. We saught to delves into the world of this unique school in our hometown that defied traditional education norms and (unbeknownst to them at the time) left a profound impact on the American art scene. Because...how do you know the legacy and impact of what you are doing, day in day out? We don't. We only see it built. over time. Step by step. BLACK MOUNTAIN COLLEGE is a historic place that deserves a prominent space in American history.

Buckminster Fuller

Set against the backdrop of a post-war era, BLACK MOUNTAIN COLLEGE (1933-1957) was an experimental school known for its inclusive and artist-led approach. They were curious about PROCESS. The school valued LIBERTY. The founding professors wanted to practice the teachings of JOHN DEWEY and SOCRATES. Classes were informal and involved lectures followed by deep long discussions. It bloomed BIG ~ and then, it ended. And as one interviewee says in FULLY AWAKE ~ it died young, like a good hero. Not all schools are meant to be institutions.

BLACK MOUNTAIN COLLEGE was of an era ~ formed and successful because of the influx of deeply talented European artists and teachers, many like JOSEF & ANNI ALBERS, from the Bauhaus in Germany. They were seeking asylum in the Great Depression, and found it in this experimental pop-up school in the mountains of WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. BMC's unconventional (to America) teaching methods led for a practice of LIBERTY AND JUSTICE. They were commited to racial integration in 1944, long before other schools integrated.

Through a curated mix of archival footage and insightful interviews with delightful ELDERS & WISDOM KEEPERS, the film offers a glimpse into the vibrant community that thrived within the school's walls. Our hope is that by witnessing the ethos of collaboration, exploration, and artistic expression that defined this educational hub, we will also embrace our inner BMC. We will become FULLY AWAKE, like the quote that the film is based upon.

We made our first film in 2007. This new version is more in line with our inner artists. We hope you have an opportunity to experience for yourself ~ we are working on sharing the film now.

May the film be a celebration of the power of community to awaken minds, spark creativity, and help shape fully conscious ~ FULLY AWAKE ~ human beings. We offer this revised film as a testament to the enduring legacy of a school that dared to dream differently and, in doing so, changed the course of American education and art forever. Thank you ~ we are changed.