Join us for a Scent Walk in the forest with visual and olfactory artist Manon Bellet on Friday, December 8th, 10am – 11:30am. Participants will walk in the woods and along the banks of the Mississippi, focusing explicitly on smells while becoming aware of the smell of the surrounding landscape and paying attention to unexpected and curious smells while recognizing some familiar. The event is free, but registration is required below! 

Olfaction is one of the most direct and archaic senses that does not obey one’s will but is directly linked to emotions and evokes memories and associations that seem very far from rational logic. It is a sense that appeals to our imagination. 

Before coming to the Woods

What to expect

• Be alert for curious and unexpected smells, but also for episode smells specific to a particular area, flowers, plants, water… let’s say background smells that are less intense but suggest an olfactory context.
• Walk slowly and note at least four distinct smells. Write them down, noting the location, the smell’s intensity and duration, and your reaction and thoughts.
• Try scent hunting, such as crushing leaves or actively sniffing a wall or other object, and write down four more.
• Collect four final odors using either of the methods described and discuss your results with other olfactory hikers; if appropriate, choose an odor that summarizes the area.