DAMASCUS, PA — Farm Arts Collective, based on Willow Wisp Organic Farm will host a Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting on Sunday June 2nd. The event celebrates the opening of modern new barn on the farm that provides a permanent home for Farm Arts Collective.

Designed by Jeffrey McMahon Design + Build, the 127-foot-long barn offers Farm Arts Collective a permanent space to operate its programs and welcome community. Founding Artistic Director, Tannis Kowalchuk describes the new location as an “Agri-Cultural Center dedicated to the life sustaining practices of Farming, Art, Food, and Ecology with a mission to celebrate and enhance rural community life.”

The open house celebration starts at 3 PM with an official ribbon-cutting and land acknowledgement and blessing from The Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania. Guests are invited to tour the new barn, meet the building designer, chat with Willow Wisp farmer Greg Swartz, and hear from Kowalchuk about Farm Arts Collective’s vision to build out a contemporary Agri-Cultural Center with the launch of a Capital Campaign.

The event will include entertainment by Farm Arts Collective, Beat the Devil, and video and art installations that document the building process. The Collective will serve up freshly baked rhubarb pie, farm-fresh soup, and refreshments with contributions from Here and Now Brewing Company, Willow Wisp Organic Farm, and Beach Lake Bakery. 

Previously, Farm Arts Collective was working out of a plastic greenhouse located on the farm, which Kowalchuk co-owns with her husband Greg Swartz. Kowalchuk continues, “We look forward to now being able to expand activity and programs year-round focusing on farming and ecological education as well as artistic pursuits that celebrate and engage community.”

The Collective’s space in the barn includes a 40-foot by 40-foot education and theatre venue, ADA compliant bathrooms, a greenroom, office, and technical areas. The rest of the barn will be utilized by Willow Wisp Organic Farm for daily operations, staff areas, and a shop for equipment maintenance.