Free Columbia 2019 Appeal
|
|
Dear Friends of Free Columbia,
One of the most provocative notions of money is that it gives a right to participate in shaping the future. When we buy products we give money for producers and distributors to continue in their work. We vote with our dollars. We have an even greater influence on the future when we give to creative and educational initiatives.
On one hand this letter is a reflection of gratitude. Below this letter you can read about what we were enabled to do through your support. Thank you! One thing that does not show up on the list is that Free Columbia is entering a new phase, as an independent organization. We have been profoundly grateful recipients of support and encouragement as a program of the Hawthorne Valley Association until now. The time has arrived for us to set the work of Free Columbia on its own feet.
Our intentions for the coming year:
- Accept a cohort of 15-20 individuals to pioneer the first M.C. Richards program, a new full-time program rooted in phenomenology, the cultivation of perception, aesthetic experience and contemplative knowing. This program is intended as a contribution to new visions for adult education. The program is intended for young adults, between 18-35. Applications are already being accepted.
- Laura Summer will continue to lead workshops, a low residency course and classes rooted in contemplative approaches to color and painting, as well as art dispersals, a now established practice of de-commodifying the sharing and circulation of art. This year will also see the growth of the “enliven the walls” initiative.
- We will be developing facilities to host growing programs.
- We will continue our children’s programing in the village of Philmont.
In 2020 we estimate needing about $180,000 to fulfill our intentions. We expect to receive $50,000 from grants and $108,000 through program contributions.
The rest we will need to fundraise.
Right now we are trying to raise $12,000.
We are inspired and determined to strive to grow in our ability to serve the ideals of free culture and cultural renewal and we invite your solidarity and support!
Our growing point this year is the inauguration of the M.C. Richards Program. The coming decades will be filled with unprecedented ecological, social, economic and cultural challenges. In light of these it is easy to forget that these challenges emerge from our deep-seated ways of being, feeling, thinking and acting. While it is impossible for anyone to offer simple solutions, it is a responsibility to try to contribute to a positive future out of our best knowledge and capacities. To learn more about the inspiration for the M.C. Richards Program, or how to apply to join the first cohort, visit freecolumbia.org.
Please send your tax-deductible contributions to 651 Harlemville Road, Hillsdale, NY 12529 with checks made out to:
HVA memo:Free Columbia or donate online at freecolumbia.org
With deepest thanks for your support,
Nathaniel Williams
Laura Summer
Free Columbia is an initiative of Hawthorne Valley Association, Inc., a diverse nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. Contributions to Hawthorne Valley Association and its initiatives are tax deductible to the fullest extent as allowed by law.
|
|
|
A Selection of the work from 2018-19
Laura Summer hosted five Art Dispersals involving 99 original works of art.
Laura Summer inaugurated the “Enliven the Walls” program by hanging 124 paintings in a boarding house, 35 paintings at Marlboro college and 6 paintings in medical offices.
Free Columbia and Light Forms: Art+ Spirit hosted Zoltán Döbröntei artist in residence to create paintings for Community Hospice – Catskill, RS Library-Hudson, Free Columbia Cultural Center-Philmont, and to meet with local artists.
Susannah White led children’s classes and camps including thirty children in Philmont. This was a partnership with the village of Philmont.
“Questions of Courage”: A conference for spiritually striving young adults. Nathaniel visited over ten schools and youth groups inviting them to the youth conference in Spring Valley and sharing about the work of Free Columbia.
Meeting our Makers: Seth Jordan worked with local organizations Purpose Making and PLOT (the Philmont Community Land Trust) for a small series of events: tours of several existing local businesses followed by a seed-funding session.
.
“How We Will Forum” was hosted in Columbia County, New York in collaboration with Elderberries Café.
Nathaniel represented the work of Free Columbia as a fellow at the Good Work Institute
Social Theory and Action Internships - Nathaniel, Seth and 7 interns worked full time on this project for over two months on questions of healthy local currencies and economics.
Laura Summer published Approaching Rudolf Steiner's Sketches for Painters.
Laura hosted four low residency intensive sessions in the visual arts and led five workshops.
“Hammer Days!” welcomed volunteers to improve and prepare facilities for Free Columbia’s growing programs.
Some presentation titles from the last year:
“In the Figure of Divine Substance”
“Approaches to Inner Practice and Self-Development”
“Approaching the Inner Nature of Gesture and Speech”
“Subtle Dimensions of Visual Experience”
“The Social Movement that gave birth to Waldorf Education”
“Color, Composition, Contemplation”
|
|
|
|
