"The Essence of Life"
"Ikigai and Creating Value for Others"
A novel dinner and talk series at 15th St Farm.
Throughout history and across cultures, food has brought people together, enriching their lives through exchanges of ideas, experiences, joys, and sorrows.
Amid today's challenges, we gather at convivial long tables for dinner to slow down, reconnect, and reflect on professional and personal contributions to our community.
"Ikigai," a Japanese word, refers to " Purpose In Life." "Adding Value to Others" refers to the species-survival requirement that has existed since life began on Earth 4.2 billion years ago.
Each evening's speaker will address a topic related to the two themes above. offering "Mind Seeds", and possibly identifying "Mind weeds" in the context of our work, passions, and aspirations.
The topic will encourage small-group discussions. Between courses, time will allow for Q&A.
In the spirit of one of the Farm's missions," To Facilitate Community Building," and as a true participatory event, guests will share the experience of setting the table, serving dishes family-style, and cleanup, as if at an informal friends' gathering.
The 3-course meals will be priced at $39.00 per person, including taxes. Those who can contribute more will help subsidize students and guests with more limited means. To secure your seat and have a voice in the discussion, please click below.
This month’s speaker is Debra Fernandez; a dancer, choreographer, and educator whose
work has been presented in museums, opera houses, and numerous
dance venues nationwide, as well as in many productions at the
Williamstown Theater Festival. She joined the Skidmore College
dance faculty in 1991 after leaving New York City and enjoyed a
creatively fulfilling 31-year career. She served as Chair of the Dance
Department from 2009-2021and was promoted to Full Professor,
holding the David H. Porter Endowed Chair, named for former
Skidmore president, a distinguished musician and her close artistic
collaborator.
Since her retirement she has shifted her focus to visual art in the form
of collage/mixed media. Debra's previous career as a dancer and
choreographer is immediately recognizable in her work - images
pulse with movement and energy while inviting viewers into an
intimate space.
Debra has also developed a unique yoga practice for the aging body
using bolsters and blocks to support exploration of individual somatic
impulses. Her online yoga community, along with her role as a
mentor to an elementary school student keeps the teacher in her
alive and well—and still kicking.
www.djfcollage.com
Thanks to generous donors we are offering a 50 percent discount to teachers and students. Please email info@15thstfarm.com by Sunday 5/3/26 to request the code.
We look forward to welcoming you to 15th St Farm soon. Please share this event with interested friends.