Damascus, PA—Farm Arts Collective makes and presents unique programming that intersects art and agriculture. The collective of actors, farmers, writers, musicians, scientists and activists presents workshops, performances and special events that intersect the life-sustaining practices of farming, art, food, and ecology to uplift contemporary rural life. All events and performances take place at a fully equipped theatre and education space located in a contemporary barn on Willow Wisp Organic Farm in Damascus, PA 38. Hickory Lane, Damascus, PA 18415. Tickets online at https://link.edgepilot.com/s/d4046c31/FmG0gqVw50avCm1vrMx5IQ?u=http://www.farmartscollective.org/.

FRIDAY, MAY 8 – 7:00PM
Live Music with Richard Hoehler

Richard Hoehler is an accomplished theatre artist and songwriter living in NYC and the Catskills. He will perform new songs at Farm Arts Collective on Friday, May 8th. Join us for a night of music, food and refreshments. Richard conducted creative writing workshops on Riker’s Island for over a decade and for fourteen years led weekly theatre workshops at Otisville State Prison. In January of 2020, Hoehler founded Acting Out, a professional acting company for the formerly incarcerated. Hoehler’s book, Acting Out: How a Prison Theatre Workshop Broke Free, was published by Applause Books. Off-Broadway credits: But for the Grace (HB Playwrights), Rehearsing the Vonnsee Conference (Gerald R. Lynch), I of the Storm (Gym at Judson), HAIR (Connelly Theatre), Inadmissible(Canal Park Playhouse), The Rubber Room (Artistic New Directions). 

SATURDAY, MAY 9 – 10:00AM
Backyard Composting with Chelsea

A hands-on composting workshop with Chelsea Kelley will take place on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Farm Arts Collective on Willow Wisp Organic Farm located at 38 Hickory Lane, Damascus, PA, 18415. This event is co-presented with SEEDS (Sustainable Energy Education and Development Support), an organization dedicated to promoting energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainable living in our communities.

Led by environmental educator Chelsea Kelley, this interactive workshop will dive into the science behind composting, offering practical tips for improving soil and plant health while reducing household waste. Attendees will learn what compost is and why it matters through engaging demonstrations and discussions designed for both beginners and seasoned gardeners.

Key topics include identifying compostable materials (browns vs. greens), best practices for composting in the kitchen, and an overview of backyard composting devices. Chelsea will also demonstrate how to make compost and apply it to plants, helping participants choose the method that best fits their needs for ultimate soil and plant health.

A question-and-answer session will follow, giving attendees the opportunity to ask questions and gain personalized advice on composting at home. Join us for an informative morning aimed at building more sustainable communities, one backyard at a time.

For more information or to register for this event, visit Farm Arts Collective’s website http://www.farmartscollective.org/workshops.