NuArt is not your typical Southwest Gallery. Reflecting the vision of Juan Kelly who grew up in Costa Rica as a painter, he moved to Santa Fe and now has galleries in Santa Fe and LA.

While Juan does show his work at NuArt, he mostly focuses on other artists, and essentially shows two types of work--figurative work that demonstrates a strong technical skill, but the imagery is metaphorical, and magical much like his own work, and large abstract paintings that are strong in pattern, geometry and emotional expression. 

Michael Bergt, one of the speakers at the conference, has shown with NuArt for over 13 years. He will present his work in person, and guide you through the gallery to discuss the various works and the aesthetic that’s unique for NuArt.

The Mind-Boggling Effects of Juggling on Your Brain

Learn the art of juggling from the legendary Flying Karamazov Brothers! Since their debut in 1973, the Brothers have dazzled audiences worldwide with their unique blend of juggling with theatrics and comedy. In this special class, you'll step into a world where objects fly. This class offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to learn from true pioneers of the craft.

Have you ever been captivated by the sight of a skilled juggler effortlessly tossing and catching multiple objects in the air? Juggling, with its numerous benefits of juggling, is much more than a delightful party trick. It’s an activity that can significantly enhance coordination and motor skills, while also boosting cognitive function. Indeed, juggling is a fascinating endeavor that can unlock hidden potential within us.

At Dent you’ll be supplied with 3 balls so that under the tutelage of the Flying Karamazov Brothers you’ll learn to juggle and in the process explore the mesmerizing world of prestidigitation and its profound beneficial impact on your brain.

The Beginner’s Journey: Overcoming Mental Barriers

1. The Illusion of Complexity

When we first learn how to juggle, it may seem like an overwhelmingly complex task. The idea of maintaining multiple objects in the air and catching them in perfect synchronization can be intimidating.

Juggling is all about breaking patterns and focusing on the simple act of throwing. By shedding the mental burden of adhering to a specific pattern or obsessing over catches, we can liberate our minds to embrace the fluidity of the motor-learning process in juggling. The key to learning juggling is not thinking.

2. The Power of Implicit Learning

As beginners in the journey of learning to juggle, we often overthink and scrutinize every move we make. However, research indicates that overthinking can impede our progress in skill acquisition. We become overly self-conscious of our actions, we disrupt the implicit learning process.

Implicit learning is about acquiring skills without consciously deliberating on the mechanics involved. It’s akin to relearning to walk after a stroke — the focus should be on the act of moving, unaware that we’re mastering a new skill. The trick is to learn to move without knowing that you’re learning.

3. Harnessing the Power of Predictions

Our brains are astonishing prediction machines, adept at making forecasts based on past experiences, which helps us navigate the world with efficiency. In the realm of juggling, our brains’ predictive ability is at work, anticipating the trajectories of the objects in the air, thus enabling us to position our hands for the catches instinctively. This predictive capacity is not only essential for juggling but also plays a crucial role in various aspects of our daily cognitive tasks.

Your brain receives feedback about what you’re doing, and that takes time — about 80 to 100 milliseconds. We live in the past. Juggling is a way to put yourself in the now.

Unveiling the Secrets of The Flying Karamazov Brothers

1. The Cascade: The Dance of Objects

As we advance in our juggling practice, we discover that the most common form of multi-object juggling is the cascade. Unlike the shower pattern (juggling in a circle) that beginners might imagine, the cascade involves objects crossing paths and landing in the opposite hand, forming a pattern akin to a figure eight on its side. This elegant and mesmerizing pattern demands not just physical dexterity but also mental agility to maintain cognitive performance and keep track of the objects in motion.

2. The Art of Focus

Contrary to common assumptions, we K Bros don’t focus our gaze on each object. Instead, we employ an external focus, directing our attention to the apex of the objects’ trajectory. By doing so, we develop a peripheral sense that allows us to juggle with precision and fluidity. This technique of external focus is not exclusive to juggling but also offers valuable insights into various aspects of life, enhancing our ability to manage multiple tasks. We Ks look to the apex of where things are thrown — that external focus again — and only ever have a peripheral sense of all those objects in flight.

3. The Power of Muscle Memory

With extensive practice, we have developed impressive muscle memory, our bodies finely tuned to the precise movements needed for each throw and catch. This muscle memory enables us to juggle with ease, even when blindfolded, showcasing the brain’s remarkable capacity to forge and strengthen neural connections through consistent practice and experience.

The Brain Rewired: The Neuroplasticity of Juggling

1. Strengthening Neural Connections

The practice of juggling has been shown to have a profound impact on the brain’s neural connections, demonstrating the wonders of neuroplasticity. As we engage in the repetitive motions of juggling, our brains adapt and rewire themselves to accommodate this new skill. The areas responsible for hand-eye coordination, motor skills, and visual processing become more interconnected, leading to improved coordination and enhanced cognitive function.

2. Boosting Cognitive Abilities

Beyond the physical benefits, juggling also has a positive impact on cognitive abilities, including memory enhancement, sharpened attention, and refined problem-solving skills. The complex nature of juggling requires constant mental engagement, leading to a boost in cognitive flexibility and creativity. So, if you’re looking to give your brain a workout, juggling might just be the perfect exercise.

3. The Therapeutic Potential of Juggling

Juggling isn’t just a hobby or a performance art; it also holds therapeutic potential, particularly in rehabilitation settings. Occupational therapists often incorporate juggling into their programs for stroke survivors and individuals with motor impairments. By engaging in juggling exercises, patients can improve their motor skills, regain confidence in their abilities, and promote neuroplasticity for better recovery.

Juggling Beyond the Surface

Juggling may seem like a simple form of entertainment, but it goes far beyond that. It challenges our minds, enhances our coordination, and promotes neuroplasticity as it rewires our brains. Whether you’re a beginner taking your first steps in the world of juggling or an expert performer dazzling audiences with your skills, the impact on your cognitive function is undeniable.

Pick up your new set of juggling balls and remember that you’re not just learning a fun party trick — you’re embarking on a journey that will unlock the hidden potential of your brain.

So, why not give it a try? Throw caution to the wind, embrace the unpredictability of juggling, and let your brain soar to new heights of cognitive function. Who knows, you might just discover a hidden talent and a newfound appreciation for the magnificent power of your mind.

To unleash the future of leadership, we must first burn what we think we know to the ground. By getting to zero and quieting the noise, we will hear the future begging us to BE a new style of leader. 

New abilities. Better behaviors. Elevated mindset. Better outcomes demand that we show up differently.

Join Deanna and Megan in this actionable learning experience with an infusion of improv insights allowing you to launch your personalized leadership blueprint.

Our good friend Asa Mathat, is a photographer with over thirty years of experience in portraiture and fashion. He is known for capturing the true character of his subjects through striking, authentic images. In the activities he leads, Asa fosters an environment of experimentation and learning by doing, helping participants develop their photography skills and to explore new creative techniques.

At Dent 2024, Asa will lead a street photography workshop, a genre that focuses on capturing candid moments in public spaces, often highlighting the unique interactions and scenes of urban life. The workshop will be hands-on, guiding participants in engaging with subjects, using natural light, and composing dynamic images. Among the many the many practical methods he will present that are applicable in everyday settings, Asa will demonstrate how simple tools, like a single piece of foam core, can create compelling lighting effects.

This session will be hands-on, and will walk the audience through the promise and magic of AI, where it is useful and where it goes off the rails.

This will be mostly hands-on, and split into two parts. You are encouraged to bring your laptops or tablets if you have them. The first half will use well-known public platforms such as ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot etc. For the second part we are planning to bring open-source (e.g., Llama 3 or Mistral) on air gapped laptops (courtesy of fellow DENTers) so that you can privately explore with your own (or provided sample) data sets. 

All in all - be prepared to roll up your sleeves whether you are diving into AI for the first time, you are exploring how to further incorporate them into your professional lives, or want to learn about capabilities, privacy implications, opportunities and challenges.

For this session, we'll be doing experiments (with you!) using generative AI. For the best results, come with a laptop and a log in to any generative AI (whatever you like to use, you'll only need text input, so Claude, ChatGPT, LLAMA, whatever... no paid version required). You can also use your phone or tablet if preferred. Audience: AI Curious to AI practitioners - you'll learn something at any level.  We won't be going into deep technology.

Dent 2023 attendees will remember our session focusing on "Indigenous Futurisms" hosted by Dr. Suzanne Fricke, who interviewed Virgil Ortiz, an award-winning artist from Cochiti Pueblo, whose revolutionary art integrates Indigenous cosmology and science to convey powerful narratives through sci-fi inspired creations. 

Ortiz created the series “Revolt 1680/2180” to tell the story of the 1680 Pueblo Revolt when the 19 Pueblos in New Mexico banded together under the leadership of Po’pay to overthrow the Spanish colonizers. Ortiz added to the story, moving forward 500 years when the Castilian forces have returned and ruined the environment and enslaved the Indigenous people. Using ceramics, projection mapping, augmented reality, video, fashion, and other media, Ortiz created 19 sets of characters, including the Blind Archers, the Recons, the Watchmen, the Aeronauts, and the Trackers. The time-traveling, futuristic narrative speaks to the fortitude of the Indigenous populations against the forces of colonization. The exhibit at [CONTAINER] Gallery includes Ortiz’s large-scale ceramics and paintings depicting the figures from “Revolt 1680/2180.”

In this interactive tour, Dr. Fricke will provide insights into Ortiz's groundbreaking art, which employs traditional narratives and futuristic themes to convey powerful stories through sci-fi inspired creations. For those who missed the engaging 2023 session, this opportunity offers a chance to delve into the themes of Indigenous Futurisms and explore how art can be a medium for healing and preserving cultural heritage. Join us for this unique opportunity to experience the future of Native art through the eyes of one of its most prominent figures.

Enjoy La Fonda’s mixologist’s selection of premier tequilas. Take a sip from Anejo, Reposado and Silver Tequilas and observe the interplay of flavors while you learn all the basics about the agave spirit.

AI agents are the future and the future is now. We will take a look at how we make AI perform a series of automated tasks to help support your workflows using the latest in no-code tools. Take away a clear understanding of AI agents and their real-world applications, insights into the resources and platforms available to help you build with AI, then step-by-step guidance on how to create your own.

Requirements include: bringing a laptop if you want to build your own. We will quickly set up an account with a no-code tool and jump in. No prior coding experience required, but a basic understanding of AI concepts is helpful. This session is perfect for innovators, entrepreneurs, and professionals looking to integrate AI into their business or projects!

Denter Michael Lee was a professional "yo-yo man" for many years and has performed in all 50 states and in many countries across the globe. His two-hour yo-yo workshop will bring out the fun of playful creativity. Attendees will rediscover the joy of mastering tricks while embracing their inner child. The session will focus on exploring new tricks and expressing personal style. With plenty of hands-on practice, attendees will explore curiosity and imagination. Everyone will leave energized and excited to keep playing and improving. You might even discover that the secret to motivation is in your yo-yo skills. (Yo-yos will be provided.)