Cairns invokes the wayfinding rocks found in many landscapes. Cairns projects are collaborations between artists, scientists, and places. They are an ongoing journey, marking our path to a better future.
Cairns is led by Liz Ivkovich.
It would not exist without the ongoing collaboration and support of Lissy Goralnik, Brenda Bowen, Brooke Horejsi, and many others.
Liz Ivkovich hails from rural Michigan.
She is a doctoral candidate in Michigan State University’s Department of Community Sustainability studying live art-science-place collaborations with Dr. Lissy Goralnik.
Liz received her BS in Sustainable Business & International Studies (Aquinas ‘07), MFA in Modern Dance (Utah ’16), Interdisciplinary Graduate Certificate in Sustainability (Utah ’21), Graduate Certificate in Non-Profit Leadership (MSU ‘23), and certification in Laban-Bartenieff Movement Analysis (Integrated Movement Studies ‘14). In addition, she is completing her 500-hour yoga instructor certification at Peoples Yoga Studio in Reotown.
Liz has taught at the University of Utah and Salt Lake Community College and directed La Fuerza at Omaha South and Afro-Nation Dance Crew at the Center for Science and Mathematics Education, two high school dance companies. In addition, she has taught dance and yoga in many studio and non-studio settings.
Liz has produced large-scale outdoor shows such as "The Mists" at Red Butte Gardens and "Those With Wings" on the Jordan River with Alysia Ramos, and performed with NOW-ID, Maya Taylor Dance, and the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s The Moving Company.
The formative teachers in her movement lineage are Ananya Chatterjea (Yorchha technique), Sharee Lane (ballet), Nathan Dryden (Contact Improvisation), A’Keitha Carey (CaribFunk), Lori Ladwig (ballet), Judy Rice (ballet), Maya Taylor (contemporary dance), and Misty Belous (Vinyasa yoga).