This program takes inspiration from Paul Chan’s exhibition, Breathers, to explore the ways that artists harness the power of deep breathing to activate social connection. The evening includes guided breathwork with artist Simiya Sudduth, a conversation about how opera singers use breath to animate artistic expression with Patricia Racette, and a discussion about the metaphor of breathing as creative social exchange guided by Dr. Timothy Huffman.
Doors open at 5:30 pm; refreshments will be provided. This program has limited seating available. Please register for a free ticket by clicking here.
About the Presenters
Patricia Racette (she/her) has been heralded a preeminent singing actress of our time. She has built and sustained an evolving career in the most acclaimed opera houses and concert stages of the world for over thirty years and continues to not only sustain her passion for this art form but also expand it to broader arenas as both stage director and master teacher. An internationally recognized artist herself, she has sung leading roles at the major houses of the world, including the Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera, Royal Opera House, La Scala, Paris Opera, Teatro Liceu, Teatro Real, Bayerische Staatsoper, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Canadian Opera Company, Ravinia Festival, Houston Grand Opera, Dallas Opera, and San Diego Opera. She is Artistic Director of the Young Artist Program for Opera Theatre of Saint Louis.
Simiya Sudduth (they/them + she/her) is a Black + Indigenous mother, multidisciplinary artist and art educator. They maintain a fluid creative practice that primarily manifests in the realm of public art, and social practice. Their work explores the intersections of healing, ecology, social justice, and spirituality. Simiya’s expansive creative practice ranges from digital illustration, designing and painting murals to experimental sound healing performances.
Dr. Timothy Huffman (he/him) is an associate professor at Saint Louis University in the department of Communication. His work explores how communication—such as compassion, community, and collaboration—can contribute to more just societies. He is the author of the book Qualitative Inquiry for Social Justice which focuses on how research and inquiry can play a role in fostering more inclusive, humane, and equitable community life.
