Sunday Speakers • Fall 2026
October 11 • November 8 | Lensic Performing Arts Center, Santa Fe, NM
Upcoming • Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026
The Genius of Dogs: Being with Humans, with Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods
Events
Sunday, October 11, 2026
Lensic Performing Arts Center
The Genius of Dogs:
Being with Humans
With world renowned dog behaviorists Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods, co-authors of The Genius of Dogs
Sunday, November 8, 2026
Lensic Performing Arts Center
Speaker to Come
We’re excited to introduce a speaker series that celebrates the age-old yet ever-changing relationship between humans and the astonishing creatures with whom we share the planet. We’re bringing together renowned authors, photographers, scientists, filmmakers, and other storytellers to discuss the wonders and mysteries of the natural world and our extraordinary connections to it. They’ll share their wisdom, offer advice on advocacy, and help us better understand and appreciate animals and wild places.
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 pet 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.
Our initial talks will take place on October 11 and November 8 in the historic Lensic Performing Arts Center, a premier 825-seat space in the heart of Santa Fe.
The transformative joy of being with animals and the places they call home
Project
We launch this project at a time when species are going extinct daily, climate change feels insurmountable, and global politics loom large.
Our goal is to offer events and experiences that will build on collective knowledge about animals and the environment and inspire us all to find more ways to protect them. We hope you’ll join us for sessions that promise to be both profoundly grounding and utterly exhilarating. Our first conversations will take place on October 11 and November 8, in the historic Lensic Performing Arts Center, a premier 825–seat space in the heart of Santa Fe.
“A bird does not sing because it has an answer.
It sings because it has a song.”
— Maya Angelou
Place
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 own survival and have worked to maintain balance between people and the natural world. Our ranching and farming communities do the same today, and many of us here in town show our love for animals 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.
Ahead
Additional events will include film screenings and discussions with filmmakers and conservationists.
In 2027, we plan to evolve the series into a three-day Being with Animals Festival complete with an expo, a lecture series, demonstrations, workshops, and more.
Team
A team of writers, designers, and event staff will help bring our vision to fruition.
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, an editor, publisher, and journalist, serves as co-curator for the annual lecture series. A team including the talented writer/editor Laura Hohnhold and Art Director Noah Hilsenrad will help bring this vision to life.