by Karen Helen Szatkowski
Can passion for the arts create compassion for the earth? Arts for Earth Foundation, (AFEF), was created to do just that. Recently, founder Michelle Nosco, hosted think tanks on behalf of local environmentalism: Sierra Clubs’ Wildlife Corridor, iMatterYouth’s Climate report-card and Surf Rider’s Matilija Dam Wetlands project. Now AFEF is sharing the wealth of Ventura’s artists and environmentalists with the public bringing “Green Street” to Ventura’s July 4th Street Fair! Their booth, sponsored by the Ventura Climate Hub and Rincon-Vitova, unveils a 20’ hand painted tourist map mural highlighting local green projects.
Simply put, the arts community and the organizations for sustainable living in our beautiful city are logical partners to inform and inspire everyone. The intent of AFEF is to involve hundreds, even thousands of people at the festival to join the many different campaigns supporting the natural world right here at home. “It’s all about reconnecting aesthetically to become healthy. One gains a sense of well-being at an affordable price, and much of it is free. Organic Gardening with neighbors for family and FOOD Share is sustainable. Trading work for Ventura Timebank hours is a great way to shop local.” Says Nosco
See you at the Street Fair! You’ll also meet the CA Native Plant Society, Bicycle Hub, Ventura Food Co-Op, Community Roots Garden, Abundant Table, artists: D.Bell, M.Brasa, S.Foster, ArtByJudd, Burton, K.Mann, “Kimo”, MJ.Murphy, M.Nosco, G.Pocock, C.Quan and L.LeTourneau. www.ArtsForEarth.org
