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Artists part of Permaculture Research show and auction

Sustainability is a word gaining recognition in most homes these days. The disposable society we currently live in is slowly changing its mindset to allow for a more earth-friendly way of living.
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Big Bang Boom by Ellery Russell

Sustainability is a word gaining recognition in most homes these days. The disposable society we currently live in is slowly changing its mindset to allow for a more earth-friendly way of living. Art is a way of getting the message out to the public, that you can re-use everyday items which would normally be thrown away for art and other applications. Art is only one way of recycling, which is why the Permaculture Research Institute of Saskatchewan put out a call for submissions to put on an exhibit showcasing the works of sustainability minded artists, including Paynton artists Mariann Taubensee and Ellery Russell.

The Reartcycle members along with just over a dozen other Saskatchewan artists will be displaying their works from Jan. 30 until Feb. 10 at The Refinery Arts and Spirit Centre in Saskatoon. This is an auction, and the bidder to win the piece has to be present at the closing day events to take their art home. If that person is not present Feb 10, the art will go to the next highest bidder. Closing reception to be held Feb 10 from 7 till 10 p.m. Bidding closes at 9:30 p.m. and payment can be made in cash or cheque only.

"The art show and auction, entitled "RE", is meant to showcase sustainability and/or permaculture as seen through the eyes of local artists. Inspired by the permaculture ethic - earth care, people care, share the surplus - the exhibition is meant to explore multiple themes and interpretations of "RE": reacquaint, reconsider, reshape, reenvision, reimagine, redesign, reaccess, recharge, reciprocate, relate, reclaim, reduce, reuse, recycle, reunite, respect, regenerate, rejuvenate, recover, reflect, reform, refresh, regrow, rejoice, remember, repair, respond, restore, reawaken ... Ultimately, it is hoped that the art shown in this exhibition engages and inspires our community in new possibilities and ways of living.

"Although permaculture is often thought of in terms of its sustainable ecosystem and horticultural applications, it embodies so much more than that. As Bill Mollison says, 'Permaculture is a philosophy of working with, rather than against nature,' while the Regenerative Design Institute explains that permaculture is meant to design ways of living that create and manage sustainable ecosystems, as well as healthy relationships with ourselves, animals, and our communities. Therefore, the Permaculture Research Institute of Saskatchewan felt that there was huge potential to showcase permaculture and sustainability through art, as creativity is an inherent part of how permaculture is applied and understood.

"The Permaculture Research Institute of Saskatchewan was developed a couple of years ago by a dedicated group of people who saw the opportunity to transform our communities through permaculture. The Institute exists to further the advancement of permaculture by facilitating communication between permaculture practitioners in the province, organizing training for people interested in permaculture, and giving people the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with permaculture practices. For example, the Institute has organized many Intro to Permaculture workshops, as well as facilitated two Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) courses. They have also held a handful of permablitzes in Saskatoon in order to engage community members in hands-on permacultural experiences, as well as transform spaces using the principles of permaculture design."

From Sannon Dyck at the Permaculture Reasearch Institute of Saskatchewan. For more information on the Permaculture Research Institute of Saskatchewan, visit:www.permasask.ca or www.facebook.com/pages/Permaculture-Research-Institute-of-Saskatchewan/154824621241043?ref=ts