Sparks Happen When Curious Minds Connect
Our curated talks, engaging presentations, and thought-provoking film screenings foster community discussions that promote dialogue and strengthen connections within our community.
Upcoming Event
Patrick Bringley Talk
Sunday, November 2nd, 2 pm
"All the Beauty in the World, The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Me" is Patrick Bringley's New York Times bestselling book that recounts his ten years working as a security guard at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Following a personal loss, Bringley found solace within the museum's walls, where his daily encounters with art, coworkers, and visitors deeply influenced his outlook. His stories illustrate how engaging with art on a personal level—beyond scholarly interpretation—can be transformative. Through his experiences, Bringley reveals how art can comfort, uplift, and offer fresh insights into grief, life, and meaning. Bringley’s book has even inspired a one-man show performed Off Broadway in New York City, with an extended run in early 2025.
This event is made possible through the generous support of Pawling resident Chuck Werner. Bringley will sign copies of his book, which will be sold in the lobby after the talk by The Book Cove.
Tickets are $15 and may be purchased in advance or at the door. This event takes place in Gardiner Theater on the Trinity-Pawling School campus.
Welcome to The Spark Presents
Our Mission
Our Partners
Our Mission
The Spark Presents is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing public discourse through curated talks, film screenings, and community discussions that foster interactive learning experiences. By sharing diverse perspectives and encouraging open discussion, we contribute to a more informed and connected community.
Our Team
Our Partners
Our Mission
We have a crew of dedicated people working to bring you meaningful events each month from September to June, including community discussions, curated talks, and film screenings. Meet Dorian Winslow, Sam Petersson, Maria Reade, and Lisa Kelsey.
Our Partners
Our Partners
Our Partners
We're grateful for the ongoing support of Trinity-Pawling School for the use of Gardiner Theater, which hosts our community discussions, curated talks, and film screenings, as well as the local sponsors who provide essential funding and in-kind donations.
Past Events
"America's Changing Role In The World"
Award-winning journalist Soledad O'Brien engages in conversation with three experts in the field of foreign affairs.
William Brangham is a correspondent and producer for "PBS NewsHour" in Washington, DC. His journalistic accolades include a Peabody for his reporting on the Syrian refugee crisis in Europe.
Scott Busby served for 10 years as deputy assistant secretary of state in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor at the U.S. Department of State. He is a non-resident fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and Georgetown Law School. Scott grew up in Pawling!
Our third speaker, John Torpey, is the Presidential Professor of Sociology and History at the Graduate Center, City University of New York, and author of The Invention of the Passport: Surveillance, Citizenship, and the State.
Tickets: $15
October 19, 2025
Tom Wessels Talk
Renowned ecologist Tom Wessels invites us to become detectives of the land, decoding the rich narratives that shape our natural surroundings. In this event, Tom Wessels interprets photos shared by audience members taken in our local woods.
June 1, 2025
"Join Or Die" Film & Discussion with Filmmaker
The award-winning documentary ‘Join or Die’ examines the decline of civic engagement in America. Following the film screening a discussion with the director Rebecca Davis takes place via Zoom.
April 27, 2025
"Transforming Food" Film Festival and Panel Discussion
Join us for a two-day film festival that explores how we grow, process, package, and deliver our food. Sam Petersson will lead a panel discussion with local farmers, chefs, and food advocates on March 8 and 9, 2025.
Edward Hopper and John Singer Sargent, Films and Discussion
Join us for two days of documentary film screenings featuring two iconic artists, followed by talks led by Ned Reade, art teacher emeritus at Trinity-Pawling School, on February 8 and 9, 2025.
"Food and Country" Film Screening
Ruth Reichl, the former editor in chief of Gourmet magazine, stars in an award-winning documentary that highlights the challenges faced by farmers, fishermen, ranchers, chefs, and activists as they strive to produce nutritious food in America.
October 20, 2024
"Solving the problem of Plastic" Moderated by Soledad O'Brien
Journalist Soledad O’Brien moderates a community discussion featuring Eve Schaub, author of Year of No Garbage, and Meghan Olson from Ecovative. As the world’s leading mycelium technology company, Ecovative is reshaping industries by replacing plastics and animal products with sustainable plant-based alternatives.
April 21, 2024