PEN & PLOW Residential Learning Program

A Farm Village for Aspiring and Practicing Artists of all Ages

MONTH-LONG Programs – Mini Mesters

Participants experience tranquility in the White Mountains, gardening techniques, ceramics art instruction, literature and composition instruction and sharing, off-grid living, field trips, guest lectures, and workshops, and the inspiration that comes by working with folks who hold art-nature consciousness. Tuition includes: textbooks, housing, organic meals, and transportation to field trip destinations. Tuition includes: housing, organic meals, textbook materials, field trip costs. For more information about our Work Study position, see contact information below.

1st Mini-Mester  May 12 – July 8     Early Summer Planting (28 days$25/day)

2nd Mini-Mester  Aug 17 – Sept 14   Fall Harvest, Seed Collection, and Food Processing (28 days $25/day)

We believe learning is more spiral than linear, that ideas spawn more ideas, usually blurring all together to create our individual expression. In this stream of learning we also maintain a common focus that serves to instigate even more ideas. Read more about our educational philosophy in Learning Principles or learn more about our instructors see About Us.

To Register contact Clark & Barbara Hockabout: bhockabout@gmail.com or call us (928) 587-1660 or come out for a visit!

Curriculum Topics

Agriculture – 5 Elements: Sun-Air-Water-Earth-Relationship

Solar & Wind Energy Collection

Rainwater Harvesting

Aquaculture/Fertigation

Homemade Fertilizers

Soil Building

Greenhouse Growing

Seed to Seed Instruction

Food Processing, Cooking & Preservation

Small & Large Animal Care

Permaculture Principles

Marketing Fresh Produce

Alternative Agricultural Philosophies (Biodynamic farming, Natural farming, working with Nature Intelligences)

Art

Ceramics – Learn or expand on hand-built and wheel thrown forms. Explore different decorating and glazing methods. Have fun!

Literature – read and discuss selections by naturalists—poets, essayists, fiction and nonfiction authors

Art Talk – students share their experience in creating project work—the process, the product

Art Time – reflective time devoted to creating project work—studio or private space

Building

Students will help build an Earthship and Strawbale  casita (small dwelling) on premises constructed of alternative building materials designed to be a student meditation-reflection space.

Place: The White Mountains of Arizona, history, local farms, artist studios, markets, events, cultural lands, national monuments, state parks, and local energy industries