News 
» Written by: Penny Krebiehl
» Posted: 4:24 pm January 22, 2012
I participated in the 2010‐2011 Tc/NW MI Permaculture Design Course, brought to us
through Little Artshram. I not only participated, but I helped organize the fundraisers that kept this training not only affordable for low‐income residents of the greater TC area, but also provided complete scholarships for really low income folks, making it more accessible to all.
This training taught us much about permaculture, which if you aren’t familiar, provides a
design system that helps integrate human beings back into their environments in a
sustainable and maintainable way; which is very important work because we are
currently in total opposition with our environments. (Imagine what would happen to our
culture if the electricity totally went out…)
The scope of the impacts that permaculture can have on the community is almost
immeasurable, because of a person’s diversity, and personal skill set. We had people
from varied occupations, from US Postal Service mail carriers, to University Professors, to
farmers. It was an incredibly eye opening experience for all involved, and gave us all
common ground.
We worked on redesigning all aspects of the 4.3 acres of land that Little Artshram has
been caretaking, including the community gardens, Building 221, the borders and
neighbors, and the financial structure. There were many final design projects with
proposed ideas for this land that were mindfully crafted over a period of six months,
using permaculture principals, which all had the sole purpose of bettering this piece of
property.
Basically, last winter a group upwards of 35 people collectively put their diverse hearts
and brains into how to be the best stewards of these 4.3 acres, and this collaboration
continues still. This letter is living proof. We all became invested in this piece of land,
through the encouragement and fostering of our independent gifts by Penny, Steve, Matt
and Kriya and Little Artshram. It is my belief that it couldn’t be in better hands.
I hope all can look at aspects, from all directions, and across time to make
decisions based on the continuance of Little Artshram’s presence on the Historic Barns
Property. I’m sure you will see what I see, which is a group of people committed to
protecting and preserving the land for future generations and building an education
platform, where we can all learn how to integrate with our environments in a more
wholsitic manner.
~Sarah Louisignau, Permaculture Designer
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» Written by: Penny Krebiehl
» Posted: 10:48 am
The BIG reality check we are encountering is LIMIT TO GROWTH and COLLAPSING SYSTEMS. Regardless of how we view the economic-energy-environmental concerns that we all share, we all feel concerned and looking for answers to the “HOW’ we deal with it.
To some a book reading group might seem like it’s coming a little late, but having a resource like Donella Meadows and an opportunity for a group of us in Tc to sit around a table to read and discuss this “primer” on systems thinking is what makes sense to us, as far as getting on the same page and speaking the same language in our community, so our actions/projects/programs are well designed and able to proceed full-steam ahead.
Begins: Wednesday, January 25th, 2012, 6 -8 PM
Where: Horizon Bookstore, lower level
When: 2 x a month, or more, or less, it depends
Sponsored by: Continual U, O’k CSA, Little Artshram
and Transition Traverse City
Thinking in Systems, by Donella Meadows
In the years following her role as the lead author of the international bestseller, Limits to Growth—the first book to show the consequences of unchecked growth on a finite planet— Donella Meadows remained a pioneer of environmental and social analysis until her untimely death in 2001.
Meadows’ newly released manuscript, Thinking in Systems, is a concise and crucial book offering insight for problem solving on scales ranging from the personal to the global. Edited by the Sustainability Institute’s Diana Wright, this essential primer brings systems thinking out of the realm of computers and equations and into the tangible world, showing readers how to develop the systems-thinking skills that thought leaders across the globe consider critical for 21st-century life.
Some of the biggest problems facing the world—war, hunger, poverty, and environmental degradation—are essentially system failures. They cannot be solved by fixing one piece in isolation from the others, because even seemingly minor details have enormous power to undermine the best efforts of too-narrow thinking.
While readers will learn the conceptual tools and methods of systems thinking, the heart of the book is grander than methodology. Donella Meadows was known as much for nurturing positive outcomes as she was for delving into the science behind global dilemmas. She reminds readers to pay attention to what is important, not just what is quantifiable, to stay humble, and to stay a learner.
In a world growing ever more complicated, crowded, and interdependent, Thinking in Systems helps readers avoid confusion and helplessness, the first step toward finding proactive and effective solutions.
About the Author:
Donella Meadows
A woman whose pioneering work in the 1970s still makes front-page news, Donella Meadows was a scientist, author, teacher, and farmer widely considered ahead of her time. She was one of the world’s foremost systems analysts and lead author of the influential Limits to Growth—the 1972 book on global trends in population, economics, and the environment that was translated into 28 languages and became an international bestseller. That book launched a worldwide debate on the earth’s capacity to withstand constant human development and expansion. Twenty years later, she and co-authors Dennis Meadows and Jorgen Randers reported on their follow-up study …
More on Donella Meadows here: http://www.squidoo.com/donellameadows?utm_source=google&utm_medium=imgres&utm_campaign=framebuster
AND, here is a great synopsis of the systems thinking approach, written by a bright, young man I’ve had the pleasure of spending a bit of time with, Mark Angelini and ways in which he applies this approach to his growing business as an ecological designer….
http://rootstofruits.biz/put-on-your-systems-thinking-cap-what-is-whole-systems-design
penny@littleartshram.org
231-510-3491
gracias.
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» Written by: Penny Krebiehl
» Posted: 10:02 am January 21, 2012
My name is Penny Krebiehl, and I’m the founder and directress of Little Artshram, and owner of O’k CSA. In 1990 I began a small non-profit in Lansing, Michigan called ARTSPACE, inspired by my children Zach and Allison. ARTSPACE offered programs and community based projects for children, youth and their families that focused on environmental education with creativity and art as the vehicle for applying behavioral and lifestyle changes. One of our first and dearest supporters of ARTSPACE and it’s programs, was our friend and landlord Robert Busby. In 2000, after 10 amazing years in North Lansing when it was going through the final stages of “Old Town” transformation, I moved north to the Traverse City area, and have continued developing programs, projects and educational services through the continuation of ARTSPACE, now called Little Artshram, and my permi-consulting and design business, O’k CSA.
One of the services Little Artshram and O’k CSA collaborates on, is bringing in guest speakers to continue on the path of individual and community-wide life-style change to create a more resilient future for our shared time on planet Earth. We’ve had great success in introducing the concepts and skill-building practices of Permaculture and other sustainable, creative ways to review and renew, healthier relationships with all of Earth’s species. We are committed to sharing this work and message in other parts of our beautiful, Great Lake State, from Traverse City to Marquette to Detroit.
Last year we offered a Permaculture Presenter Series in Traverse City, pairing it with a Permaculture Design Course with 30+ participants. This year I made up my version of an “institution” and called it Continual University. The Continual University Series, focuses on ways we might build upon and reconnect to what seems a basic, simple way to inhabit our home-places, coupled with real-life stories and discussions about ways in which others choose to live wisely and well. The presentations that we offer are informative, community building efforts led by real folks who are humble, honestly informed, and speak plain, language.
We are proud to end our winter series, with a special visit by Dr. Guy McPherson, and would like to inform you so that you might also consider inviting him to meet, greet or give a talk with any of your circles of folks. On February, 9th, Dr. McPherson will begin his two week Michigan stay in Traverse City, making several appearances in Grand Traverse County, Muskegon, Lansing and Petoskey. We are continuing to put the call out to the North-West to Central Michigan areas to offer an opportunity for folks to meet Dr. McPherson and experience his message and personal story. We will also offer opportunities to learn about designing sustainable, durable living arrangements, along with updated info sharing about 2012 Permaculture workshops and courses in Michigan.
Below is a press release that is just now being distributed to announce the Traverse City presentations, by Dr. McPherson.
Thank you for your good support, well-wishes, time and consideration!
`penny Krebiehl
penny@littleartshram.org
www.littleartshram.org
231-510-3491
SPECIAL February CU Series: SELF-IMPROVEMENT with Dr. Guy McPherson,
Saturday, February 11th, 6-8 PM
@ Cogs Creek Building/Tribalive Studio,
124 N. Maple St., Traverse City, MI
Self-improvement? Anyone can improve his/her life at will. Those who will agree with this statement, may say that in order to improve one’s life, we simply need to make the decision to do so. However, a decision, no matter how good it is cannot do much if it is not supported by the right tools to make of it a reality. In Victorian times, the idea of what it meant to help yourself was: work, work and more work. Many of us still believe in the “American Dream” and that our work will bring merit and meaning to our lives. Other recommendations through self-help guides suggest to love one’s inner child, encouraging us to ‘think positively’, ‘believe in yourself’, and give the general reminder that ‘you’re worth it’ is the way to go. This presentation will take into consideration the evolution of self-improvement in our present day, fast paced, modern world, and, what to make of hard work and diligence. We’ll ask is unlimited success a simple matter of on-going perseverance? What about randomness of luck and the benefits of family and personal advantages? Or, perhaps the idea that striving for happiness may sabotage our efforts to attain it?
Guy McPherson who will be our guest speaker for the Self-Improvement presentation is an energetic speaker and talented moderator. He has appeared before countless audiences to speak about the two primary consequences of our fossil-fuel addiction: global climate change and energy decline. Because these phenomena impact every aspect of life on Earth, his talks reach a wide variety of audiences such as universities, associations, nonprofits, and numerous educational and scientific symposia and conferences.
Building Community Resilience in Traverse City: Food and Water, Special presentation and book signing by Dr. Guy McPherson
Wednesday, February 22nd, 6:30-8:30 PM
@ Horizon Bookstore
Lower Level, 118 Front St., Traverse City, MI
How is the Traverse City community and it’s neighborhoods responding to changes due to climate change? Are these ordinary times, with natural ecological shifts and an ordinary recession or are we on the edge of huge system changes? How will energy use, water and food production change in the years ahead for our neighborhoods and families? And, one more question: How are we as individuals and families, as well as a community preparing for these changes?
Join us on Wednesday, Feb. 22nd, to hear Dr. Guy McPherson, a respected conservation biologist, social critic, and professor emeritus of natural resources and the environment at the University of Arizona.
Guy McPherson peered over the edge into the Peak Oil and Climate Change abyss, and rather than backing away, jumped in. The author of “Nature Bats Last”, and most recently, “Walking Away from Empire”, Guy is a conservation biologist who has a keen grasp of the severe ramifications of the climatic course we’re on. So he walked away from his high paying, prestigious, tenured position at a major university and now grows goats, vegetables, and community in the desert outside of Tucson, Az. He has also taught poetry in prison.
Guy volunteers his time talking to people wherever they’ll have him, about both the disaster-seriousness of our course, a course which has created the ecological and climatological chaos we’re experiencing, and ways in which we can and must mitigate that as individuals, communities, and societies. Guy talks about how individuals can work together to strengthen their own resilience, and prepare for a world of change. His talks highlight the importance of living sustainably, a necessity driven by the ongoing collapse of the environment and the industrial economy, and by the arriving shortages of cheap oil.
He’s smart, he’s laugh-out-loud funny, and he’s much more humble than he would have you believe. Guy lays the truth out clearly, in a gentle, humorous, but matter-of-fact and inescapable sort of way.
In his own words (written in 2009): “In 2002, as I edited a book about global climate change, I realized we had set events in motion that would cause our own extinction, probably by 2030…About five years ago, I was elated to learn about a hail-Mary pass that just might allow our persistence for a few more generations: Peak oil and its economic consequences might bring the industrial economy to an overdue close, just in time…If we abandon the industrial culture of death, we might persist until your children are old enough to die a “normal” death. But the odds are long and the time short… I mourn because the solution is right in front of us, yet we run from
it..”
Both events are Free and open to the public. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Donations and sponsorships will be accepted to offset costs and Dr. McPherson’s travel expenses.
Little Artshram is a non-profit 501c3 organization and accepts tax-deductable donations.
If you are interested in hosting Dr. McPherson, or helping to sponsor his Michigan visit, please contact: penny@littleartshram.org
MUCH gratitude to the CU Winter Series Sponsors:
Little Artshram,
Oryana Natural Foods Co-op,
“Kima M Kraimer Rolfing® Structural Integration”,
Bleu Haven Chi Nei Tsang,
Nellie Eve Skallerup
Zach Power
and Friends for providing welcoming music
Much thanks to Tribalive @ Cogs Creek Studios, AND, Horizon Bookstore for hosting Dr. McPherson’s Tc events. gracias. gracias.
[Link to Post]
» Written by: Penny Krebiehl
» Posted: 3:53 pm January 9, 2012
CU Series: GENERATING CREATIVITY
Continual University Series: “Generating Creativity”
Saturday, January 14, 2012, 6-8 pm
Art is often created through the re-imagining of ordinary things. What are the most powerful tools for generating creativity? This is about simple interventions; useful techniques for shifting the blocks that often stop us from working most effectively, focused on the here and now. Let’s re-frame creativity not as a trail of HUGE steps but instead as a series of playful moves, available to anyone. Creativity is not an abstract endeavor but a practical process, allowing each one of us to grow our potential in a dynamic and exciting manner. With games, shifts of perspective and challenges, we can reclaim and reconnect to our humble beginnings as creative creatures, and once again accept
that we are all Artists and Designers!
Jason Dudycha will lead the Generating Creativity presentation. Jason is a local agriculturalist and musician — you may have seen him around town at markets, dancing, or riding one of his custom-built bicycles. He is sincerely looking forward to exploring this concept of ‘creativity’ with us.
Much Gratitude to our Winter Series Sponsors:
Little Artshram, Oryana Natural Foods Co-op,
“Kima M Kraimer Rolfing® Structural Integration”,
Bleu Haven Chi Nei Tsang, Ms. Nellie Eve Skallerup
and Friends for providing welcoming music
CU Series Presented by: O’k CSAE
With Our gracious Host and Friends:
Tribalive
124 N. Maple St., Traverse CIty, MI
We ask you to contribute to the “Continual Cause”
….Suggested Donation, $8.00
In keeping with the commitment and flow of our first CU presentation on Time-Banks and local economy, a suggested donation of $8 is asked, which CU will in turn provide a $10 Continual Note to each participant. The Continual Note can be used as a donation towards future programs in the series, or towards goods in our CU Shop, gathered and created by local artists. All proceeds raised will be used wisely towards funding continual, if not continuous gatherings. The Continual Note is an experiment we hope to pair with Bay Bucks, aimed at becoming an accepted means by which to continue the CU local gatherings and meeting of minds, bodies and souls, while contributing to a small, independent institution.
Additional information about the CU Series:
www.littleartshram.org
continualU@gmail.com
231-922-2014
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» Written by: Penny Krebiehl
» Posted: 12:19 pm January 5, 2012
What will happen in 2012 in energy, economy and environment?
Come and find out at a special live event coming up this Thursday at the Traverse Area District Library, in the McGuire Room, – 619 Woodmere, January 5th at 6:00 pm.
International speaker and futurist Nicole M. Foss from Ottawa, Canada will be joining us live and in person to present a comprehensive view of 2012 and the near future. Foss’s 90 minute “A Century of Challenges” talk has been experienced by tens of thousands of people throughout the world, including recent tours of North America and Europe. Ms. Foss is currently on her 2012 Great Lakes tour which includes talks in Wisconsin, Michigan and Ontario; after which she flies to Asia for an extensive speaking tour.
Ms. Foss’s talk appeals to those interested in the future, as she ties together topics of energy, economy, environment and the current events in politics. This 2012 update of her talk includes new discussions of the unfolding economic situation in the USA, Asia and especially Europe; a look at the oil supply situation including the Keystone pipeline proposal; prospects for renewable energy, and examination of the consequences of the Japanese nuclear reactor situation and its implications for other reactors throughout the world.
Ms. Foss also explains how to effectively invest and prepare in one’s life and one’s work for the uncertainty and challenges of the future.
We invite you to this one time live event, which features Ms. Foss’s full 90-minute talk followed by a full 60-minute question and answer period.
This event is free, donations of all amounts are appreciated. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds. General seating for the public begins at 5:30 pm. Donations are tax deductible.
For more information on Ms. Foss: http://theautomaticearth.blogspot.com/
We do hope you can participate in this great event to kick off 2012!
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» Written by: Penny Krebiehl
» Posted: 9:52 pm December 29, 2011
Little Artshram has been in the news in 2011! Now, it is up to us to use our new, if unsought, higher profile in a long-term way to reach our transformative goals. The choices we make now are important, and will continue to focus on care-taking people and all species; honoring our home-place planet Earth by making responsible decisions about our practices; repurposing, recycling, and renewing: giving back.
Our vision is based in Permaculture, which is a science-based ethical design system. Think of it as a toolbox we use to answer the all-encompassing question “How do we live sustainably?” Founded in three ethics: Earth Care, People Care and Fair Share, practitioners of permaculture use nature-inspired design with methods based in science, engineering, agriculture, finance, and community-building to create sustainable, regenerative human habitat. It is a growing worldwide movement that employs organic agriculture, urban farming, “green” design, and many other approaches to teach and provide a practical framework for individuals to take responsibility for themselves, their children and their community.
If we could live and operate on our local Bay Bucks currency alone (and perhaps someday we will, along with a cooperative time-bank), we would do so right now! But today, this letter is a straightforward request for continued or first-time financial support.
Little Artshram needs to raise capital for general operations and to return to our planning process for late winter, spring and summer programs. We are now in delicate negotiations with our landlords to ensure our continued presence at the Historic Barns Park, and we plan to go forward with the following goals for 2012:
Education
Year-round classes and workshops including “The Continual University Series,” which features a monthly regional, national or international guest presenter
Weekly Summer Camps for children 6 years and older, with a Permaculture theme
Apprentice, Volunteer, Intern and Teacher Trainings (AVIT)
Permaculture trainings for youth and adults
Permaculture Design Course (PDC), a full 72-hour certification program, for college-age adults and older
(In 2010/11, we organized and hosted the first-ever Traverse City/North West Michigan PDC; our Summer Camp was on the theme “3 Ways To Compost.” We held an AVIT course and sponsored numerous public presentations and workshops)
Community Gardening and Urban Farming Collective
Growing more community gardens in Traverse City neighborhoods
Sustainable small farm and organic gardening skill-building and practices
Community gatherings and social opportunities
(In 2011, we once again supervised the Community Gardens at the Historic Barns Park, and also sponsored a small community garden in downtown Traverse City. Our gardening community gathered for pot-luck/meeting every month, culminating in our annual Harvest Festival)
Earth Day Parade and Celebration
Environmental education focused on the NW Michigan region
Parade building workshops and month-long parade prep
23rd annual Earth Day celebration in Downtown Traverse City, April 2012
(This will be our 10th year sponsoring and organizing the parade)
Traverse City/NW Michigan Permaculture Design Project
Continue our ongoing design process for our site at the Historic Barns Park, including a Community Learning Center at Building 221
Analyze and synthesize the student designs that were generated from last year’s PDC
Engage the Little Artshram board, advisory circle, and the community in the charrette process
(The first-ever Traverse City/North West Michigan Permaculture Design Course, held over a six-month period in 2010 and 2011 generated seven student designs for various aspects of our site at the Historic Barns Park)
Youth Run Market Garden and CSA
Provide garden/small farm experience to teens and young adults
Supply area families with organic produce
(Last year was our fourth year operating the Market Garden and CSA program)
If you prefer to have a request sent through the US Post, please forward us your mailing address and we will be happy to do so.
Please show your support, in what ever amount you are able. Our mailing address is printed below.
And you can also donate on-line here:
http://www.causes.com/causes/162996-little-artshram-under-greater-lansing-artspace
Mission: Little Artshram inspires and educates people of all ages to live creatively in harmony with nature, through a unique combination of permaculture principles, visual, musical and puppet artistry, service to the natural world, and inclusive social activism. Little Artshram is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Thank you for your consideration and support.
Our best to you in this new year.
Sincerely,
Little Artshram
P.O. Box 844
Traverse City, Michigan 49685
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» Written by: Penny Krebiehl
» Posted: 2:58 pm December 28, 2011
CU Series: GENERATING CREATIVITY
Continual University Series: “Generating Creativity”
Saturday, January 14, 2012, 6-8 pm
Art is often created through the re-imagining of ordinary things. What are the most powerful tools for generating creativity? This is about simple interventions; useful techniques for shifting the blocks that often stop us from working most effectively, focused on the here and now. Let’s re-frame creativity not as a trail of HUGE steps but instead as a series of playful moves, available to anyone. Creativity is not an abstract endeavor but a practical process, allowing each one of us to grow our potential in a dynamic and exciting manner. With games, shifts of perspective and challenges, we can reclaim and reconnect to our humble beginnings as creative creatures, and once again accept
that we are all Artists and Designers!
Jason Dudycha will lead the Generating Creativity presentation. Jason is a local agriculturalist and musician — you may have seen him around town at markets, dancing, or riding one of his custom-built bicycles. He is sincerely looking forward to exploring this concept of ‘creativity’ with us.
Much Gratitude to our Winter Series Sponsors:
Little Artshram, Oryana Natural Foods Co-op,
“Kima M Kraimer Rolfing® Structural Integration”,
Bleu Haven Chi Nei Tsang, Ms. Nellie Eve Skallerup
and Friends for providing welcoming music
CU Series Presented by: O’k CSAE
With Our gracious Host and Friends:
Tribalive
124 N. Maple St., Traverse CIty, MI
We ask you to contribute to the “Continual Cause”
….Suggested Donation, $8.00
In keeping with the commitment and flow of our first CU presentation on Time-Banks and local economy, a suggested donation of $8 is asked, which CU will in turn provide a $10 Continual Note to each participant. The Continual Note can be used as a donation towards future programs in the series, or towards goods in our CU Shop, gathered and created by local artists. All proceeds raised will be used wisely towards funding continual, if not continuous gatherings. The Continual Note is an experiment we hope to pair with Bay Bucks, aimed at becoming an accepted means by which to continue the CU local gatherings and meeting of minds, bodies and souls, while contributing to a small, independent institution.
Additional information about the CU Series:
www.littleartshram.org
continualU@gmail.com
231-922-2014
[Link to Post]
» Written by: Penny Krebiehl
» Posted: 2:53 pm
Happy in-between holidays and onto a New Year!
We invite you to a special live event featuring Ms. Nicole Foss, aka Stoneleigh, of The Automatic Earth site.
Ms. Foss travels to Michigan in two weeks time and will be speaking in the Traverse City area at the Traverse Area District Library, in the McGuire Room, – 619 Woodmere, on Thursday, January 5th at 6:00 pm.
Ms. Foss is an international speaker from Ottawa, Canada, who regularly is invited to speak at international conferences on the topics of energy, economics, and environment. This fall, she completed a speaking tour of Europe. This winter she embarks on a tour of Oceania and Asia.
Her talk, titled “A Century of Challenges: How Energy and Finance Intersect”, will address the rollercoaster ride we are on…financial markets are up today and down again tomorrow. But hey, we’re bound to bounce back soon and continue to “grow the economy,” right? Not so, says Nicole Foss, international speaker and educator. She will meet and dialogue with us about some of the most important, and often confusing, challenges that face us. Her clear analysis integrates finance, energy and economy to help us understand why we face a state of crisis and what individuals and communities can do in response.
Her talk appeals to those interested in the future, as she ties together topics of energy, economy, environment and the current events in politics. With her visit to Grand Rapids, her talk will include new discussions of the unfolding economic situation in the USA, Asia and especially Europe; a look at the oil supply situation including the Keystone pipeline proposal; and examination of the consequences of the Japanese nuclear reactor situation and its implications for other reactors throughout the world.
You are invited to this special live event featuring Ms. Foss’s full 90-minute talk, explaining how to effectively prepare and invest for an uncertain and changing future, followed by an additional 60-minute question and answer period.
This event is free, donations of all amounts are appreciated. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds. General seating for the public begins at 5:30 pm. Donations are tax deductible.
Below is the google map link for the Traverse Area District Library:
Map to TADL
For more information on Ms. Foss: http://theautomaticearth.blogspot.com/
In addition to Ms. Foss, in 2012, Little Artshram and the Continual University Series will be bring regional, national and international speakers to the Traverse City Area offering opportunities and educational outreach bridging the topics of sustainable, system change; ideas to keep growing with; and ways to live creatively, wisely and well. Our shared and longtime focus is creating permanent culture through art, community gardening and environmental education, with children and their families, as well as
We hope 2011 was a great one, and extend best wishes to you in 2012, as we carry on together in our North West Michigan communities.
P.S. Ms. Foss will also be speaking in Milwaukee, Madison, Cadillac, and Grand Rapids during this tour. Also, a number of outstanding talks on these topics are available for free online via YouTube, including some talks and panels featuring Ms. Foss.
http://www.youtube.com/newculture
***
Little Artshram is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt nonprofit educational organization and is not affiliated with any religion, political party, or other organization.
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