Eureka! - "I Have Found It!"

The most recent Institute Summer Residency took place in Eureka, California from July 9 to August 9, 2009. Located up in Humboldt County, part of California's "North Coast" region along Highway 101. Situated about 100 miles south of the Oregon border, Eureka boasts just 28,000 residents and is geographically isolated between Humboldt Bay on the west and an abundant forest of California Redwoods, the world's tallest trees, on the east. The area is known for its majestic forests, Victorian architecture, sea and river recreation, its thriving arts community and Humboldt State University in nearby Arcata.  Founded in 1850, the town has a history of mining, logging and fishing industries.  As those industries decline the town struggles to establish a new economic identity.

Some of the folks we've met and talked with in Eureka include older residents through the Humboldt Senior Resource Center, the Ink People Center for the Arts, State Parks Department's North Coast Redwoods District, Eureka High School, and The Raven Project. We've also met with individuals from local news and print journals, the city council, the local free clinic, the indigenous Wiyot community, and others.

Our residency in Eureka culminated with the production of:

Jason in Eureka:
An Epic Adventure in Search of Golden Fleece and Other Local Treasures

Based on Charles Kingsley's The Heroes
Chapter 2  - "Jason & The Argonauts"

Written by Peter Howard
Directed by Laurie Woolery

August 6, 7, 8 @ 8:30 pm

Blue Ox Millworks & Historic Park
One X Street
Eureka, CA 95501

For Jason in Eureka, Cornerstone's community partners included Sanctuary Stage, the Ink People Center for the Arts, and the Blue Ox Millworks & Historic Park. Playwright and founding Cornerstone ensemble member Peter Howard's play was a modern Eureka-specific retelling of the mythic adventures of Jason combining elements of the classic fable with present-day characters living in a west side Eureka neighborhood.

Learn more about the in and outs of our community collaboration and residency in Eureka by reading personal entries from Institute participants on the I-6 blog at cornerstoneinstitute.wordpress.com!

Also, hear Institute participant Julia Taylor conduct a radio interview featuring 3 community members involved in the production!

Jason in Eureka interview as aired on Blue Ox Radio:

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For more information about Eureka, California and the surrounding Humboldt community, see:

City Data
City of Eureka
Humboldt County Historical Society
The North Coast Journal