Rooted in the environment but with an unmistakable artistic focus, the Visions of the Wild festival is a unique and captivating event that has been captivating the community for the past decade. The two-day festival offers a diverse range of activities, including film screenings, art exhibits, hands-on discoveries, and speaker series, all centered around different aspects of nature. Despite its popularity, the festival’s organizers have found it challenging to define exactly what Visions of the Wild is.
In 2014, the event was initially created to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act. Founder Steve Dunsky, a filmmaker for the U.S. Forest Service, envisioned an event that would blend arts and nature to engage the Vallejo community in the celebration of nature. Over the years, the festival has evolved to focus on different environmental aspects or themes, with this year’s theme being Re•Generation.
Festival Director Hannah Dunton reflects on the festival’s origins, stating, „It was kind of a fun thing we did, and then the next year we did it again, and so it became this thing that has always gone. But we never really stopped to do a recap of how things are going and what are we doing.“ In an effort to refocus and understand the festival’s impact on the community, the team conducted focus groups ahead of this year’s event.
One key takeaway from the focus groups was the community’s desire for more focus on children’s activities. As a result, the festival will lean more into the Saturday morning family discovery zone, emphasizing the importance of engaging younger generations in conservation efforts. Additionally, a kids film screening will precede the Wild & Scenic Film Festival On Tour, showcasing films that educate youth about ecosystems and how they can make a difference in the world.
Another aspect that resonated with attendees was the celebration of Solano County as a special place on earth. Festival-goers want to see how concepts of regeneration apply to their city and region, highlighting the unique natural features of Vallejo and Solano County. The festival will feature an art exhibit showcasing „before“ and „after“ photos of Vallejo, providing a historical perspective on the city’s evolution.
The speaker series on Saturday will offer a multigenerational perspective of Vallejo, exploring the city’s history through different lenses. Despite the challenges of organizing such a multifaceted event, Dunton emphasizes the team’s dedication and volunteer spirit. „We’re all volunteers and we’re doing this because we really love this community,“ she says. „It’s really just a labor of love.“
As the Visions of the Wild Festival approaches on September 13-14, attendees can look forward to a renewed focus on engaging children, celebrating Solano County, and exploring Vallejo’s history through art and speakers. The festival promises to be a unique blend of art, nature, and community, offering something for everyone to enjoy and learn from. For more information on the event schedule and locations, visit visionsofthewild.org.
