Photo: ©Alchemy Initiative
Earth Day Style at an Up-cycled Fashion Show
BY THE MAGAZINE OF YOGA STAFF
In 2009 a small group of creative and environmentally conscious entrepreneurs began to collaborate to make their aspirations to do well by the planet and do good in their community a reality. Jess Conzo. Jess Rufo, Crispina ffrench, Diane Firtell, and Bridget Conry are women who moved collectively from imagining together to acting together.
A beautiful urban garden was created. Artist studios began to fill up in the lower level of the former church. Workshops and events began to bring the community in.
After two years of weekly meetings and lots of hard work by this dedicated founding group (and many generous volunteers), they began the application process for their nonprofit status. A Board of Directors was formed. Structure began to take place…
So here we are. We call ourselves Alchemy Initiative and our story is still being created
Our mission is to build community by providing a forum for food and farming, art and music, health and healing, and sustainable living. We aspire to educate and engage our community to communicate, create, and collaborate. We run several programs to do this including our Urban Garden, Artist Studios, Workshops and Events.
Earth Day Event: Up Cycle
Alchemy Initiative’s Earth-loving, Community building, Joy celebrating event this weekend begins today: an Up-cycled Earth Day Fashion Show, Silent Auction, Dance Party, and Clothes Swap.
When
Friday, April 22, 2011 7:30pm-12:00am
Fashion Show, Silent Auction, Dance Party
Saturday, April 23, 2011 from 1-4pm
Clothes Swap
Where
Alchemy Initiative, 40 Melville Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201
Tickets
Fashion Show, Silent Auction, Dance Party: $20
Clothes Swap: $2 at the door, $5 per pound
For more information about the Earth Day celebration, visit the Alchemy Initiative website or call 413.236.9600
Website www.AlchemyInitiative.org
The Magazine of Yoga 3×5 Interview
What?
What is the task you like to do best in your work?
Education. We bring our community together by promoting and educating on creativity and sustainability. Our mission is to build community by providing a forum for food and farming, art and music, health and healing, and sustainable living. We aspire to educate and engage our community to communicate, create, and collaborate.
What housework or domestic detail is most satisfying to do?
Gardening. We have a gorgeous urban garden right downtown Pittsfield. While there is always work to be done (planting, weeding, feeding the chickens, etc) it is always satisfying. We love watching the garden transform across the seasons, making meals from our homegrown produce, and having others come by and delight in our hard work.
What in light of your experience in life, should we not waste time on or worry about?
Naysayers. There will always be people who doubt or question you, but we believe in listening to our hearts.
How?
How do you celebrate?
Daily. We love life and find occasions to celebrate it each and every day. We celebrate with shared meals, belly laughs, and dance parties.
How do you learn?
By doing. We are constant students. If we are interested in learning something, we bring in an expert to teach us and our community how to do it. Then we dig right in!
How do you prepare to do something?
Looking at the past, present and future.
Do?
Do you have a nemesis?
No way.
Do you have a vocation?
Many.
Do you have a plan?
Sometimes.
Faves
Favorite magazine?
Orion Magazine (and they’re local!)
Favorite work beverage?
Tea.
Favorite relax thing?
Nature walks with loved ones or on solo journeys.
Fives
5 things about your workspace that make it good
1. It is super big and open.
2. There is a giant tea cabinet.
3. The space is shared with other creative people, so there is never a lack of inspiration.
4. Open studio days bring in new friends.
5. It is part of a bigger project that is exciting to be involved in.
5 people you want to collaborate with
1. French artist JR
2. Musician Neko Case
3. Mycologist Paul Stamets
4. Writer Michael Pollan
5. Political satirist Stephen Colbert
5 songs from your current playlist
1. I Wish I Was the Moon – Neko Case 
2. Home – Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros
3. Glitter in the Air – Pink
4. Little Lion Man – Mumford and Sons
5. Absolutely everything that comes out of Adele’s mouth
We may publish any content, comments or ideas sent to us.
Name may be withheld by request.
© 2011, The Magazine of Yoga, LLC.
