WISCONSIN

In his newly opened exhibit “On Your Plate” Drew tells a compelling and layered story of food in the Driftless area of Wisconsin. With the recognition that it takes many kinds of work and a lively spirit of cooperation to maintain a healthy system, Drew’s collection showcases a wide variety of players in local food scene with affection and tenderness, opening our eyes to the humble ballast in addition to the star players.

Now, the voices that dominate in Allen County are the voices of action. Voices of progress. Voices that say “HOW should we do this?” instead of “WHY should we do this?” The negativity does not go unchallenged.

Is there a means by which we can construct a society in which the human being is central, not peripheral, with an economy that serves us? One in which it is understood that Nature has tolerance limits and that by crossing them too often we will destroy the foundations of our existence? Can we construct a society in which work is meaningful? One in which our voices are heard?

Thoreau College creates a context where students can nurture their sacred curiosity, connect with their deepest selves, and cultivate the capacities they will need to manifest their highest aspirations for the world.”

A look inside a Food Enterprise Center that is cultivating community beyond its walls

Island Housing Trust’s mission is to preserve the viability of the year-round community on Mount Desert Island (MDI) by encouraging and providing housing opportunities affordable to the island’s workforce. To ensure that the island communities remain viable year-round villages and towns, IHT seeks to create a stock of permanently affordable year-round housing that is available to those who work on MDI.

Civic courage means striking first with love, and asking questions later. It’s building a bridge by trusting someone who doesn’t already trust you. It’s choosing to listen to someone who is across the trenches from you.

Can art remind us there is a place for everyone, for all voices? Can art be a tool that helps demonstrate the ways in which we are intrinsically connected to each other and the natural world? Can art bring us together so that we might jointly create our sense of place? This summer in Paonia, we will take steps to find out.

How do we begin to dismantle the illusion of independence and to shine the light on all that we have to offer to each other, all that we need from each other, all the things that we can only do if we are together?

Approaching land, animals and humans with creativity and a collaborative spirit, the Finnriver team continues to use their tiny corner in western Washington to generate a new paradigm of social, economic, and environmental resilience for the future.