Better Farm and betterArts have released workshops for throughout the summer season. Be sure to check our upcoming events page for our full events listings and new classes being added regularly in topics ranging from organic gardening and solar to music lessons and pottery!

Don't see what you're looking for? Email info@betterfarm.org to suggest a workshop! If you'd like to attend a workshop and are coming from out of town, be sure to reserve a room, cabin or campsite at Better Farm through Airbnb!

May 6 Annual Tree Planting at Better Farm

Each year since 2010, Better Farm commits to planting at least 100 trees. That effort kicks off every year with an open house planting day for the community, made possible through a partnership with the DEC. Learn about the importance of replenishing this vital natural resource while taking direct action in improving soil and air quality in the North Country. We'll have a variety to plant, and some shovels (and refreshments!) to share—but feel free to BYOS (bring your own shovel), and don't forget appropriate footwear!

11 am. Free. Email info@betterfarm.org to pre-register.

June 8 Make Your Own Vision Board Workshop

A vision board is a tool used to help clarify, concentrate and maintain focus on a specific life goal. Literally a board of mat paper, wood, or other materials, vision boards are decorated with images that represent a person's goals. In this two-hour course taught by Penny (Heath) Kring, participants will have the opportunity to learn about vision boards and make their own. All materials will be provided, however you are welcome to bring your own inspirational collage materials, including quotes, magazines, or images that inspire you. Snacks and bottomless wine will also be provided.

About the instructor: Penny (Heath) Kring is owner of Heath Photography, a meditation practitioner, and student of the law of attraction for more than 15 years.

6-8 p.m. Thursday, June 8. $25 includes all materials, instructor fee, bottomless wine, and snacks. To register, click here.

June 10 Golden-Winged Warbler Conservation Chat in Redwood

Better Farm's CEO Nicole Caldwell will be one of several speakers discussing conservation efforts of wildlife, including golden-winged warbler habitat, and opportunities for area residents to partner with the Audubon Society and USDA on projects to protect animals and their habitats.

FREE. 9-11 a.m., location in Redwood TBA

June 17 Better Festival

Better Festival, the annual open house, fundraiser, and alumni weekend for Better Farm and betterArts, is slated from 2-10 p.m. Saturday, June 17, 2017. All money raised at the annual music, sustainability, and arts festival will directly fund art- and sustainability-related community outreach initiatives in and around Redwood. The day-long event features live performances by local and regional bands, a gallery showcasing artwork by painters, sculptors, photographers, and more, booths featuring art and handmade items for sale, tours of the Better Farm campus, information about Better Farm and betterArts 2017 programming, arts and crafts for kids (and adults!), freshly prepared and locally sourced food, a refreshments tent, games, bouncy castle, and more! Better Radio will also be streaming the festival live on 88.5 FM.

Click here for the event page and tickets. Admission: $10. Camping on Friday and Saturday night is available for $10/person/night.

June 23-25 Yoga Retreat

Instructor Lisa Glassman of Active Potential returns for her second annual yoga retreat at Better Farm. The weekend kicks off Friday night with a welcome meal, yoga and bonfire, with sessions planned throughout Saturday, and a morning session Sunday before departure. Cost includes shared, furnished cabin and bedroom space (preference will be on a first-come, first-served basis), farm tour, all meals (100% organic, farm-to-table vegetarian), all necessary equipment (you are also welcome to bring your own mats), materials for all activities, and includes kayak and bicycle rentals and/or art supplies during free time. MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON!

$200 for weekend, $70 for Saturday pass only (no lodging, includes meals). Click here to register!

Lisa Glassman is a licensed massage therapist, certified personal trainer, corrective exercise specialist, registered yoga teacher and practicioner of progressive Ashtanga yoga. She is also a Level 1 crossfit coach and owner of Active Potential in New Jersey.

June 28 Intro to Digital Photography/Refresher Course

Whether you're a new owner of a digital camera, haven't picked up a manual camera in years, love photography but are new to digital, or anywhere in between, this two-hour, hands-on course will show you how to get a proper exposure and be more creative with ISO, aperture and shutter speeds. Find out what all of the camera modes and settings are used for, and practice taking some great pictures. Refreshments will be served! Please bring your own equipment. For those who would like to take the course but do not have digital cameras with manual focus options, please email info@betterarts.org to register for a complimentary equipment rental (limited supply!)

About the instructor: Penny (Heath) Kring, owner of Heath Photography in Redwood, has more than three decades of experience and is excited to share her extensive knowledge.

6-8 p.m. $35. Click here to register.

July 8 Truth Card Art

TRUTH* LOVE* AWARENESS* Truth cards are small uniquely created cards with beautiful pictures and sayings that are based in Love and Truth and speak directly to the soul. In this class, students will create "truth cards" by collaging pictures and meaningful phrases and words for ourselves and for women rescued from human trafficking to help them feel healed and whole again. These cards will be sent to a wonderful organization called Brave Girls Club and then sent to women rescued from human trafficking in many different places in the world. We will also talking about who we are from the soul's perspective, and human trafficking afar and close to home.

About the instructor: Kelly Charlton lives in Heuvelton, NY with her husband, two children and two furry friends . She is a Certified Retreat Coach and a self taught artist with a Degree in Early Childhood Education who loves teaching and coaching both children and adults.

Ages 15 and up, $20. Collage materials will be provided, but attendees are welcome to bring their own as well. Click here to register.

Aug. 12 Mind, Body, Spirit and Art

In today’s fast-paced world, we often forget to take care of ourselves. Soon, we find that we are exhausted physically, emotionally and spiritually. In this class we will regenerate the connection between our Mind, Body and Spirit utilizing Meditation, Qi Gong, Nature and Art. During this workshop you will learn simple steps, exercises and activities that you can utilize daily to make you feel more grounded, relaxed, healthy, centered and fulfilled. The only pre-requisite is to be open and willing to making some positive changes in your life.

About the instructor: Kimberly A. Kernehan, ATR-BC, CASAC. Kimberly obtained her undergraduate degree from SUNY Potsdam in Art Education/Studio Art and her Master’s degree in Creative Arts Therapy from Nazareth College in Rochester, N.Y. While attending Nazareth College she subsequently completed the Trauma Counseling certificate program at the University of Buffalo - School of Social Work. Kimberly practices Trauma-Focused Art Therapy specifically related to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Kim has worked extensively with veterans, active duty soldiers and with clients suffering from substance use and mental health disorders. Her approach is through a holistic lens providing not only art therapy, but integrating the modalities of Zen meditation, Qi Gong, Tai Chi, guided imagery, Reiki (energy work), drumming, music, crystal work, progressive relaxation and breathing techniques into her own practice as well as with clients.

12-2 p.m. $20. Click here to register.

Aug. 19 Be the Pond: Kids' Meditation Class!

This is a class about mindfulness. Teaching children that they can observe their thoughts without engaging or judging them. I am the pond and the fish swimming by are my emotions, I am not my emotions, I am just the pond observing the fish. We will listen to a short 9 minute guided meditation, talk about what was experienced and then move on to paint a picture of a pond on an 8x10 or bigger canvas.

About the instructor: Kelly Charlton lives in Heuvelton with her family. She is a certified retreat coach, Reiki practicioner, and self-taught artist with a degree in early childhood education. She loves teaching and coachingchildren and adults.

Ages 7 to 15. Maximum class size 12. $25 per child. Email info@betterarts.org to pre-register.