FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Two MacArthur Fellows to come together at Heritage University for Rooted Voices

TOPPENISH, Wash. — Two nationally recognized MacArthur Fellows with deep ties to Washington state will come together at Heritage University this fall for Rooted Voices: Creative Exchange in Central Washington, a multi-day series exploring art, storytelling and community through workshops, public events and creative exchange.

The Heritage University series is one of a select number of projects chosen for Defying Boundaries: MacArthur Fellows at 45, a nationwide initiative celebrating the 45th anniversary of the MacArthur Fellowship program and the creative work of its recipients. The initiative highlights the creative courage and public engagement of MacArthur Fellows through projects that bring their work and ideas into communities.

Rooted Voices will feature Dr. Kathleen Ross, SNJM, co-founder and president emerita of Heritage University, and Trimpin, an internationally acclaimed German-born kinetic sculptor, sound artist and experimental inventor who lives and works in Seattle and Tieton, Washington. Both were named MacArthur Fellows in 1997.

Through the series, Ross and Trimpin will engage Heritage University students, community members and visitors through writing, art and creative exploration. Events are free and open to the public.

Rooted Voices Events

Welcome Event
Thursday, September 17, 2026
Smith Family Hall
4:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.
Fellows Kathleen Ross and Trimpin and their work will be introduced.

Writing Workshop
Saturday, September 26, 2026
Petrie Hall 1111
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
The writing workshop will be led by Dr. Ross.

Art Labs: Printmaking & Ceramics
Saturday, September 26, 2026
Petrie Hall 1101
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The art labs will be presented by Trimpin.

Installation Celebration
Friday, October 16, 2026
Virginia S. Hislop Gallery
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Stories and artwork created during the Rooted Voices workshops will be on exhibit at Heritage University beginning October 16.

Ross helped establish Heritage University and has spent her career advancing higher education and cross-cultural communication. Trimpin is known internationally for creating innovative sculptures and musical installations that combine technology, sound and movement. Their distinct approaches to education, art and creative expression provide the foundation for the Rooted Voices creative exchange.

“Having two legendary Fellows like Dr. Ross and Trimpin right here in the Yakima Valley gives our students and region a special opportunity to explore how art, education and storytelling intersect,” said Margot Stroop, assistant professor of visual arts at Heritage University and organizer of Rooted Voices. “When the MacArthur Foundation called for projects highlighting creative courage and public engagement, we immediately knew it aligned with our community’s spirit.”

The series is presented by Heritage University’s Humanities & Fine Arts department. Students, community members and visitors are invited to participate in all Rooted Voices events and workshops. All events are free and open to the public.

For more information and to RSVP for the events, visit heritage.edu/rootedvoices. For help with interviews, please contact Davidson Mance, Public Relations Manager, at (509) 969-6084 or mance_d@heritage.edu.

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