REGION — A new community organization, called the Farm Arts Collective at Willow Wisp Organic Farm, has just launched, with plans to host programs, workshops, performances and events that engage community members in creative and educational practices in farming, art, food and ecology.

Founder and local artist Tannis Kowalchuk announced the new group January 4, saying that it will provide “a place to bring together self-taught experts, professionals and those interested in learning in a collaborative way.” Farm Arts started with teammembers whose skills cover the basics, from organic farming, to science, to community engagement, to business adminstration and fundraising. This team has planned a number of activities including monthly “farm days,” that will focus on skill sharing, engaging professional farmers, homesteaders and gardeners in the ethics and methodology of organic farming. The group will also put on perofrmances such as “Shakespear on the Farm,” and “Stone Soup and Other Songs.” Thursday training sessions for these performances will be held at The Narrowsburg Union beginning January 17 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Farm Arts has already partnered with The Narrowsburg Union; Cornell Cooperative Extension in Ferndale, NY; The Cooperage in Honesdale, PA, and Willow Wisp Organic Farm. The group is actively looking for more partners interested in joining the intiative. Its board of directors includes Kowalchuk, Christine Ahern from the Lackawaxen Food Hub, Sue Currier, Heather Jacksy, Adrianne Picciano of Dirt Diva and Melissa Sandor.

“The intersection of sustainable living practices centers around farming, food and ecology, and for me, art is a necessary part of the mix,” Kowalchuk said.

To get in touch with Kowalchuk, call 917/566-7698.