"The basic premise of the event is that hunters hunt rattlesnakes from the surrounding environment all across West Texas, and bring them into the roundup for the weekend. And during the roundup, these snakes are kept in a pit and then, one by one, beheaded and skinned in front of in front of audiences." - Elizabeth MeLampy Elizabeth MeLampy is a lawyer dedicated to animal rights and protection, and her passion for this work shines through in her latest book, Forget the Camel, the Madcap World of Animal Festivals and What They Say About Being Human . To research the book, Elizabeth traveled across the country, immersing herself in a wide range of animal festivals — from the Iditarod dog sled race to the rattlesnake roundup in Sweetwater, Texas. Elizabeth examines these festivals as revealing microcosms of our broader relationship with animals. Whether it's rattlesnake hunts, frog-jumping contests, ostrich races, or groundhog celebrations, these events reflect the ways humans use animals to express cultural identity, community pride, and historical traditions. Yet beneath the pageantry and excitement lies a deeper question: Is our fascination with these spectacles worth the toll it takes on the animals involved? With compassion and insight, Elizabeth invites readers to consider whether there’s a more ethical and empathetic way to honor our stories — one that respects both animals and the traditions they inspire. Please listen, share and read, Forget the Camel. It will be released on April 8th, 2025. https://apollopublishers.com/index.php/forget-the-camel/…
2MF is a series of community meetings – open and participatory experiences – organized by artists Sonya Derman and Maria Stabio. Collaborating with selected New York City thinkers, 2MF aims to encourage pro-emotive and ante-academic conversation among artists in New York City. All meetings are free and open to the public. Follow us on instagram at 2__m__f
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This episode of 2MF features a conversation with artists Jenny Lee and Zuriel Waters of Sister Gallery following a meeting at Knockdown Center on November 20, 2016. The artists speaks with hosts Sonya Derman and Maria Stabio about how the structure of the office informs artists practices. We discuss the increasing professionalization, advanced degr…
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Mr. Heiges speaks with Maria Stabio and Sonya Derman about domestic spaces and living with art over time. Comparing Donald Trump and Jackie Kennedy’s publicized tours of their homes, we reflect on the ways that people’s relationship with objects and interior architecture promote value systems as well as political myth-making.…
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This special post-election episode of 2MF features a conversation with 2MF alums Amy Beecher and Joshua Smith. The artists speak with hosts Sonya Derman and Maria Stabio about how the election of Trump has affected their outlooks as artists and as political actors. Managing one’s emotional state while maintaining a consistent level of outrage — can…
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This episode of 2MF features a conversation with artist Eric Ramos Guerrero following a meeting and workshop at Knockdown Center in Queens, NY on September 9, 2016. Guerrero speaks with hosts Maria Stabio and Sonya Derman about the magnetism of New York as bohemian promise land attracting artists worldwide but often fails to deliver. When reality f…
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This episode of 2MF features a conversation with artist Kaitlin McDonough following a meeting and workshop at Orgy Park gallery in Brooklyn, NY on June 25th, 2016. McDonough speaks with hosts Maria Stabio and Sonya Derman about what constitutes performative language and how its nuanced definition plays a role in her painting practice. The three als…
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This episode of 2MF features a conversation with artist Kerry Downey following a meeting and workshop at Wendy’s Subway in Brooklyn NY, May 28th, 2016. Downey speaks with host Maria Stabio about her recent video piece Fishing with Angela, which begins as a loose narrative of a fishing trip with artist and mentor Angela Dufresne. The two also discus…
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