The Semi-Socratic Seminar Method
The Galisteo Basin Artist Collective is a gathering of local artists who meet weekly to discuss a wide range of art-making topics such as, art philosophy, art history, composition, color theory, technical approaches, and more. The content of these discussions will be curated around the overall artistic interests of the members. These discussions are hosted in the High Desert Wilderness of the Galisteo Basin Preserve in Lamy, New Mexico, and are centered around academic journal articles which will be distributed to members prior to our weekly discussion group.
Our discussions will employ a Semi-Socratic Seminar model in which the facilitator will present an initial point of inquiry, and then allow members of the collective to present their own thoughts and ideas on the topic, in order to generate further discussion and inquiry. Additional points of inquiry will be introduced if needed.
Members are encouraged to engage in thoughtful and respectful discussion, ask questions, present new ideas for further inquiry, and share their own artistic ideas and theories with the group.
How It Works
A week prior to our group meeting, an Art focused, academic journal article, or other topic will be presented to the group via email.
On the scheduled date for discussion, members will meet at the Cowboy Shack Trailhead and walk to the group meeting site, inside the High Desert landscape of the Galisteo Basin Preserve.
There, the facilitator will present the subject for discussion and pose a question to the group relating to the topic. From there participants are encouraged to present their own ideas on the topic and introduce their own questions relating to the topic. Participants are asked to be concise, and limit the length of their comments to 2-3 minutes, so that there is time for other members to comment.
Suggested Approaches to Discussion
There are a variety of ways that members can help generate further discussion and facilitate a more productive group environment. Here are some ways that members can respond to questions and comments:
1) Compliment - “I agree with…”, or “I like that idea…” followed by the reason why.
2) Comment - “I agree/or disagree…(with a specific point), followed by the reason why.
3) Connection - “I also thought that…” or “I had a similar idea”. This can also be followed by a question that this idea brought up for you.
4) Question - “I wonder why…”
5) Clarify - If you are unsure of the meaning of a particular comment or question, please ask for clarification.