FALL 2026 Sunday Speakers
October 11 & November 8
Lensic Performing Arts Center, Santa Fe, NM
Events
Sunday, October 11, 2026
Lensic Performing Arts Center
The Genius of Dogs
Featuring world-renowned canine behaviorists Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods, co-authors of the bestselling books, The Genius of Dogs and Survival of the Friendliest, whose work has been featured on “60 Minutes.”
In conversation with David Quammen, iconic chronicler of the natural world.
Sunday, November 8, 2026
Lensic Performing Arts Center
Werner Herzog’s Encounters with the Natural World
Featuring the legendary, award-winning director of Ghost Elephants, Encounters at the End of the World, and Grizzly Man.
In conversation with acclaimed “PBS NewsHour” correspondent Jeffrey Brown.
THE BEING WITH ANIMALS PROJECT
We’re exploring and celebrating the age-old yet ever-changing relationship between humans and the astonishing creatures with whom we share the planet.
We’re about bringing together leading authors, scientists, photographers, filmmakers, and other storytellers to discuss the wonders and mysteries of the natural world and our extraordinary connections to it. We’re about sharing wisdom, offering advice on advocacy, and helping better understand and appreciate animals and the wild places they—and some of us—call home.
From the first known cave painting, depicting a wild boar some 45,000 years ago, animals have occupied our hearts and imaginations. Our shared histories run deep. When we embrace a beloved dog, ride a horse through a meadow, or gasp at the sight of thousands of starlings moving in concert, we repeat patterns that are embedded in our emotional DNA. Being with Animals honors those ancient bonds. We launch our project at a time when species are going extinct daily, climate change feels insurmountable, and global politics loom large. Our aim is to offer events and experiences that build on collective knowledge about animals and the environment and inspire us to find more and better ways to protect them. We hope you’ll join us for our inaugural sessions, one on October 11 and one on November 8, both of which promise to be both profoundly grounding and utterly exhilarating.
We’re based in New Mexico
but have our eye on the world
From the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the Chihuahuan Desert, New Mexico provides habitats for a vast array of animals, including some of the world’s largest herds of wild horses and buffalo. For thousands of years, Native tribes have recognized the importance of this landscape to their survival and have worked to maintain balance between people and the natural world. Our ranching and farming communities strive to do the same today, and many of us here in Santa Fe show our love for animals and our local landscape in smaller ways.
Santa Fe has more dogs per capita than almost any city in the country. Backyard chickens, horses, birds, and goats abound. But no matter where you call home, it’s not hard to rekindle that primal connection to other species. Just step outside and look around.
Who
we are
Being with Animals is founded and led by Clare Hertel, a lifelong animal lover and co-founder and former executive director of the celebrated Santa Fe International Literary Festival. Her fellow Festival co-founder and husband, Mark Bryant, a journalist, editor, and publisher, serves as co-curator of our talks and conversations. And editor and writer Laura Hohnhold and designer Noah Hilsenrad help bring the vision to life.
Where
we’re Going
For 2027, we plan to grow our programming to include additional talks, film screenings, an online bookstore, and a Fall 2027 Being with Animals Festival complete with lectures, films, demonstrations, workshops, and more.