After tireless materials sourcing, meticulous attention to detail, lots of elbow grease, and the efforts and planning of a wide cast of characters, Better Farm now boasts an absolutely beautiful, one-of-a-kind sauna built almost entirely out of upcycled, recycled, refurbished materials.
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Photo/Kenny Lavezzi
betterArts volunteers Justin Chirico and Matthew Tardif last weekend led a group of outdoor enthusiasts on a hike around the Better Farm property beforeand adjacent Indian River Lakes Conservancy preserve. The hike was followed by a craft beer tasting, discussion of the art of brewing beer, and great company.
Many thanks to all who came out! Here are photos from the day.
To find out about our upcoming events, click here.
Students will make four magnets and a collage on canvas at the March 24 class.
An extension of betterArts' popular Paint 'n' Sip series, an adult crafts night from 7-9 p.m. Thursday, March 24, will feature two projects, finger foods, bottomless wine, and great company.
Instructor Maria VanPelt (LaFargeville Central School) will guide students through the creation of four magnets (see above photo), as well as a Mod Podge canvas utilizing collage:
All funds raised through betterArts workshops go directly toward arts and cultural outreach in the North Country. Class size is limited to 20 students. Cost is $30.
Email info@betterarts.org with any questions.
One of the elements of sustainability and permaculture is the synthesis of tasks and the mutual benefit of action. This is how decomposition meets growth; flowers provide pest control while veggies give nourishment; and stewardship provides overall health.
In our human quest to make things ever more efficient, we've skimped on sustainability. We've replaced much of our livestock with machines, trading for example horse and plow with tractor and attachments. But the tractor doesn't give manure to the ground, and does zero to maintain soil fertility. Farm animals, living in harmony with plants, feed each other.
We use gas-powered motors to trim back hedges, mow down grass and hay a field. In the process, we reduce our own physical fitness, deny nourishment to the dirt and utilize an ever-depleted natural resource.
But what if we didn't?
Check out the insane video above of the sheer power of human. Then go ahead and sharpen your scythe, cancel your gym membership, and get moving.
We are so excited to announce a special visit by Grateful 4 Grace to Better Farm this summer in order to help us with some sustainable building projects on the property. The non-profit group travels all over to offer helping hands on projects that further a sustainable mission.
Read MorePanAmerican Seed has selected Better Farm as a test site for the seed company's breakthrough, non-GMO vegetable varieties geared for northern regions.
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After hosting two completely sold-out adult evening workshops, betterArts is turning its "Vino & Van Gogh" adult paint 'n' sip workshops into an ongoing monthy series.
In each class, students will be led step-by-step through the completion of a craft, painting, or other art form. As in other adult classes, finger foods and bottomless glasses of wine are made available for all attendees (non-alcoholic beverages also available!).
Upcoming Dates:
An extension of betterArts' popular Paint 'n' Sip series, this workshop will feature a craft accompanied by bottomless wine and snacks. Specific crafts project to be determined! All funds raised through betterArts workshops go directly toward arts and cultural outreach in the North Country. Specific craft TBD, Instructor Maria VanPelt * CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
A step-by-step painting class teaching technique, color and brush strokes... and featuring bottomless glasses of wine and snacks! Specific painting project TBD. All funds raised through betterArts workshops go directly toward supporting arts and cultural outreach in the North Country. Thank you for supporting this important cause! Instructor Maria VanPelt * CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
For a complete listing of upcoming events, click here.
Join betterArts board members Justin Chirico and Matthew Tardif at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 5, for a snowshoe hike around the Better Farm property followed by campfire and craft beer tasting.
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betterArts will run a crafts table at Macsherry Library's annual Heart of Winter Art Show & Chocolate Reception from 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, at Macsherry Library in Alexandria Bay.
People of all ages are invited to create valentines, cards, notes and art for loved ones. In the gallery, art and written works will be on display. Chocolate desserts will also be offered, a special Valentine's Day treat donated by the library's board members and staff, local restaurants, and Friends of the Library.
To enter your art into the show this year, click here.
Macsherry Library is located at 112 Walton St. in Alexandria Bay. Click here for more information.
betterArts presents an art and wine event at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25, at Better Farm in Redwood.
Read MoreAre you a writer who loves another writer? A yogi wanting to try his hand at writing, a writer trying her hand at meditation? You and your partner should join us over Valentine’s weekend—these workshops are for you!
Read MoreBetter Radio is a new, low-power FM station serving the Redwood community and surrounding hamlets and towns in Northern New York. The station broadcasts talk shows, live and pre-recorded original music, interviews, story-telling, news, weather, fishing reports, poetry, garden guides, and much more. The goal is to highlight all the people, music, businesses, activity, and culture of the North Country through our own, independent news outlet.
And Better Radio needs your help!
Read MoreWe couldn't be more excited to announce the arrival of the two newest members of our Better Farm family, horses Riddler and Storm.
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