Elemental Mud Workshop Series 2012-2013

Nance Klehm, a nationally renowned systems designer, horticulturalist and bioinstigator, is leading a highly interactive workshop series that engages participants from diverse backgrounds and professions to rethink soil and water as dynamic systems in our city's biological infrastructure. Using Archeworks' educational approach of "learning by doing", Nance's experimental, hands-on curriculum will cultivate an experiential knowledge, foster a broader philosophical discussion about an ecological framework, and challenge participants to develop new ways of engaging with natural systems within their professional and personal practices. Workshops will culminate in the creation of a collaborative working model that responds to the ecological flows and social fabric of a specific site in the city.

The workshop series will kick off this fall with a SOILunit - exploring the life within soils, and tracing soil formation in the landscape. A WATERunit - exploring the state of urban waters and working with gradients of water will follow, as well as a second SOILunit opportunity. Local climate and urban conditions, current city ordinances, systems thinking, passive design, upcycling, fertility and health are keystones to this series. Classes consist of discussions, lecture, explorations, and field work. This workshop will culminate in the creation of a working model developed in partnership with Inspiration Kitchen. Come get your hands dirty!

The first workshop - SOIL - will be held in October, 2012 on four Tuesday evenings from 6-9pm. Oct 2, 9, 16 and 23. The final session will be held on Saturday, Oct 27 from 10am-5pm.

Location: Inspiration Kitchens - Garfield Park at 3504 W Lake St (Accessible on the Green Line Central Park stop)

Registration fee: $300

Class size limited to 15 participants

Please call 312.867.7254 for more information.
Registration Form

Photo by Nance Klehm