BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//sebbo.net//ical-generator//EN NAME:Spokane Public Library X-WR-CALNAME:Spokane Public Library BEGIN:VEVENT UID:b765d38d-d6c7-463f-875b-e6639edb9809 SEQUENCE:0 DTSTAMP:20260721T235215Z DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260418T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260418T150000 SUMMARY:Unseen Oceans - America’s Hidden Deep-Sea Gardens LOCATION:The Hive\nThe Hive X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=The Hive;X-APPLE-RADIUS=10 ;X-TITLE=The Hive:geo:47.6570768,-117.3680541 GEO:47.6570768;-117.3680541 DESCRIPTION:Discover Alaska’s hidden deep-sea coral and sponge gard ens through rare video\, art\, and storytelling. A scientist-artist collec tive reveals fragile ecosystems usually beyond human reach..\nhttps://spok anelibrary.libnet.info/event/16100970 X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:

Our deep sea &ndash\; waters deeper than 2 00 meters &ndash\; covers more than two-thirds of our planet\, yet less th an 0.001% has ever been directly explored. Once thought barren and lifeles s\, ongoing expeditions have revealed thriving undersea &ldquo\;forests&rd quo\; of corals and sponges\, home to brittle stars\, fish\, shrimp\, and countless other species. These habitats not only support amazing biodivers ity but also play a role in sustaining fisheries and local communities\, c onnecting the hidden depths to our everyday lives.

\n

In this talk\, The Unseen Ocean Collective will guide audiences into these mysterious worlds. Marine biologist Lara Beckmann will begin with a short int roduction to the dynamic coral and sponge gardens that thrive in the deep waters\, like undersea forests. Featuring rare video footage filmed during NOAA deep-sea expeditions in 2023\, Lara will show how these ecosystems f unction\, why they support so many species\, and how they connect to human communities through fisheries and the broader marine environment. Audienc es will gain insight into the science of deep-sea ecosystems\, the discove ries that continue to reshape our understanding of the ocean\, and the fas cinating creatures that inhabit these remote habitats.

\n

Following t he science introduction\, the artists Kierstin Keller\, Nilanjana Das\, and Meghan Jones will share how these discoveries inspired their paintings\, sculptures\, and visual storytelling. Together\, science and art provide a rare opportunity to see the unseen\, experience the deep sea through both knowledge and imagination\, and celebrate the wonder of disc overy. This one-of-a-kind talk blends deep-sea science with fine art to cr eate an engaging\, visually stunning\, and thought-provoking experience fo r all ages.

\n

These talks are part of a larger Spokane-based program in April 2026\, including a month-long deep sea art exhibition at the Chase Galle ry\, organized school field trips\, classroom craft kits\, an d community events. Through these combined efforts\, we hope to spark curi osity\, creativity\, and a sense of awe for Earth&rsquo\;s largest and lea st-explored ecosystem\, inspiring audiences to explore\, wonder\, and conn ect with the ocean in new ways.

\n

 \;

\n

By attending lib rary programs\, you are agreeing to potentially appear in photos/videos ta ken at our locations that may be used in promotional materials including s ocial media.

\n

We strive to make events welcoming for people of all abilities. \;To request accommodations (i.e. hearing assistance\, ASL requests\, or other ADA inquiries)\, email sday@spokanelibrary.org.

\n< p>For all event information inquiries\, email telref@spokanelibrary.org or call 509-444-5300.

\nhttps://spokanelibrary.libnet.info/event/16100970 URL;VALUE=URI:https://spokanelibrary.libnet.info/event/16100970 END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR