The Art of Cave Exploration, Above and Below Ground

The Art of Cave Exploration,  Above and Below Ground

Wednesday, April 30th, 2025

7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC $20 - FREE FOR MEMBERS

Join us for an exhilarating evening exploring the hidden wonders of caves through film and storytelling. The event will feature a presentation of Through the Taggard at Savannah Cave, followed by a compilation of thrilling video shorts showcasing the challenges and triumphs of cave exploration.

Program starts at 7:30 PM

Video Shorts Include:

• Great Savannah Waterfall Climb – A team of cavers ascends a newly discovered underground waterfall, battling rapids and rigging safety ropes.
• Having a Blast Underground – Removing a massive rock with hammers, explosives, and sheer determination.
• Above Ground Challenges – Transporting and installing a culvert pipe to stabilize an excavation, resulting in various mishaps that are overcome with no casualties.
• Doing Shots West Virginia Style – Using a Micro-Blaster (ATF approved) to make big rocks smaller and gain access to caves never before visited by humans.
• Wrestling With Rocks – A slideshow of methods used to remove obstacles and access new cave passages.
• Getting There – Adventures of the mighty K5 Chevy Blazer on the way to and from cave systems, including inadvertently picking up an anaconda-sized "hitchhiker."

Come witness the beauty, danger, and adventure of caving—both above and below ground!

Presented by: Arts Club of Washington member Bruce Fries, a writer, entrepreneur, cave explorer, and practitioner of the "art of life." He's a member of the National Speleological Society and the West Virginia Association for Cave Studies (WVACS), and co-leader of several projects that led to the discovery of geologically significant cave systems in Greenbrier County, West Virginia. He also hosts house parties and charity benefits.

6:30 - 7:00     Reception

7:00 - 7:45     Presentation: Through the Taggard at Savannah Cave

7:45- 8:00      Break

8:00 - 8:45     Video Shorts

8:45 - 9:00     Q & A

Tickets available at the door.

Discounted parking (free for members with membership card) at 2001 Pennsylvania Ave. NW.