There are few places on this planet I can think of that are more magical than the Duckleberrry Farms Artfarm Barn. Nestled in the hills of Seal Rock, Oregon, this land is a place of community, creativity, and wonder that has been in the family for over 100 years and five generations. It is the culmination of labor and love given generously by Willow Kasner, family, and community members hailing from Sealrock all the way to Portland. It has been 6 years since the beginning of the transformation of the barn, and close to every hand that has been involved has done so voluntarily. Projects are carried out by way of "work parties". Community members gather to help build, clean, or garden as needed, then celebrate their lives and achievements together with shared food and good music into the night. The work is usually carried out by 2 to 10 volunteers, and projects range from clearing roadways, building stages, and cutting grass. The evening gatherings naturally attract more people, who show their additional support through donations, music, art, food, and firewood. This place is a beautiful manifestation of the amazing things people can build when they decide to come together.
Cascadia Connection was a follow up event of "Raining Man" the first annual official event of CascadiaNow!. Which is a movement coined in the 70's that "seeks simply to help further local autonomy, empower individuals and communities to better represent their own needs, as well as push environmental and economic responsibility, and increased dynamic, transparent and open governance. The Cascadia movement encourages people to reengage with their local communities, develop local and personal resilience (community gardens, disaster preparedness, etc.), and create alternate lines of regional communication, politics, and interdependence that better represent the social, cultural and political boundaries that define our region." In short, CascadiaNow is the organization that is working to improve the Cascadian bioregion through community, and they are gaining momentum. It gatherings like those at the ArtFarm Barn that continue to open minds and inspire further action and involvement. Native community members, transplants, travellers, and newcomers were all uplifted by the welcome atmosphere and left with a greater understanding of the importance and power of coming together. Every person was provided food, a new lesson to learn, entertainment, shelter (My favorite part of the night was helping Willow put blankets on the attendees who had fallen asleep on the couches strewn about) and more importantly, they were given an opportunity to invest in their community.
It is events like these that remind me of the beauty of the human struggle, and the amazing addition each person is to the tapestry of life. Each person has true value, and that value can be expressed in many ways. When communities come together, and people are given an opportunity to explore and express that value, amazing things can happen. Like say, a movement for the liberation of an entire bioregion, or a giant barn filled with art, life, music, and love that also serves as a meeting place for people to escape the day-to-day and truly just BE.
It is events like these that remind me of the beauty of the human struggle, and the amazing addition each person is to the tapestry of life. Each person has true value, and that value can be expressed in many ways. When communities come together, and people are given an opportunity to explore and express that value, amazing things can happen. Like say, a movement for the liberation of an entire bioregion, or a giant barn filled with art, life, music, and love that also serves as a meeting place for people to escape the day-to-day and truly just BE.