Pegasus Research Consortium

"Gatherings expose otherwise isolated populations to diverse lifestyles, offering a crash course in cultural pluralism, anarchy, and a congeries of alternative lifestyles and spiritual beliefs.

Each new Gathering, taking place in a different geographic region, brings the Rainbow message of peaceful coexistence to a new audience."



Where the Gathering will be in 2013 (http://www.welcomehome.org/rainbow/sites/annual-site.html)

The 2013 Rainbow Gathering will be in Montana. Spring Council is June 7 to 9.

Racetrack Creek/Racetrack Campground (11 miles south of Deer Lodge, Montana).

Description: 5400ft elevation. 13 campsites and a picnic area are along the creek on the east slopes of the Flint Creek Range. Follow the old roads on foot, horse, or bike to reach all kinds of lovely alpine lakes higher up. Outstanding fishing in Racetrack Creek for brook, brown, and cutthroat trout.

Racetrack campground is located in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest of southwest Montana at an elevation of 5,400 feet. This is a basic campground with facilities limited to restrooms, water, and a group picnic area. Racetrack Creek flows through the south edge of the campground. The maximum recommended trailer length for the area is 22 feet. Please limit your stay to 16 days.

This is a fee campground.

TFW UPDATE - 10 June 2013:
According to the District Ranger's Office, 10 June 2013, there is NO FEE at Racetrack Campground.

FYI, the Rangers are knowledgeable of Rainbow Family Gatherings, as they have really done their homework and are actually interested in the Gathering and what it represents. Their only concern is the prospective 20,000 participants and the impact on the community. Our great contact there is: Jeana - 406 859 3211.


Location: From Deer Lodge, go 11 miles south off I-90, take Racetrack exit and go west 1 mile, then south. Latitude: 46.28396   Longitude: -112.94056

Address: Pintler Ranger District
Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
88 Business Loop
Philipsburg, MT  59858

Phone: (406) 859-3211

Season: June - September

Fee: NO

Reservations: NO





From Interstate 90: Exit 197 Galen. Take Left onto 273 South (Galen RD), go 3 miles on paved road to Willow Road (NO SIGN and be aware -- as 273 bears left, Willow.

Road goes straight, it is the gravel on right). Go 1 mile to Bowman Road at the four corners. Take left onto Bowman which becomes Modesty Creek Road (you will see a Forest Service sign for Racetrack Campground 6 miles). Watch for cows on road and immature Golden Eagles on fence posts! Keep following signs for Racetrack CG. Please respect signs for private property.

Once inside the Forest, FS road 169, welcome home! There is ample parking, bus village, and handicamp on the north side (right) after the cattleguard just into the forest (only two tenths of a mile from FS boundary) with some tree line camping off the south (left).

There is a piece of private property inside the spring council area; this stretch is about a half-mile long and is well-marked along the road. There is a FS Campground where there is an anticipated fee early June. (tfw UPDATE: NO FEE)

Beyond the campground, FS Road 169 diminishes so be aware of poor road conditions and it may be difficult for big rigs to turn around.

OR take Racetrack Exit 195 Roads are less paved but it gets you there -- Follow signs to Racetrack Campground.

Avoid Dempsey Lake Road -- there is a bridge out over this creek.


CALM (http://www.welcomehome.org/rainbow/calm/) needs donations to pay for medical supplies that get used every year. Please consider donating now to CALM (https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&SESSION=n5kvmr95P3M8sen_xyNF48eZieUhh02FB-0q8jr5rFKgqsoFuM8ZvQxYSam&dispatch=5885d80a13c0db1f8e263663d3faee8d4e181b3aff599f99e8c17bd6c7fe2f56), as most supplies have to be purchased before the Gathering.

Additional information on the water system used to purify water for this year is here (http://www.ashevillecommunity.org/hawker/water/). Clean water helps keep us all healthy!

The water crew has a new PayPal account to help cover the costs associated with buying water line every year to replace the parts that can't be reused. The existing PayPal account (https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&SESSION=QeJPvYB4Vp6OqjfWN_O45Ux2I5V0dz3Qv5Q-ASnpR1Z3s94sXcPdzV721kC&dispatch=50a222a57771920b6a3d7b606239e4d529b525e0b7e69bf0224adecfb0124e9b61f737ba21b081988da7a3c03e3ee256487fa2c502f637cb) is used primarily for the water filters and other expensive water filtering related parts that need replacement every year.

The water crew is asking all kitchens that want to be connected to the main water line to bring the following items. These items in total should not cost more than $50-$100. Please help get this word out to all kitchens. If each kitchen brings a little it helps us all.

   •   1-3 rolls (usually 300-400') of NSF rated 3/4 inch black poly pipe.
   •   1 or more 3/4 inch plastic barbed T
   •   2-3 3/4 inch plastic barbed couplings
   •   1 or more spigots with 1/2 inch NPT male pipe threads
   •   1 or more 1/2 inch Female NPT threads to 3/4 inch barbed insert
   •   6-12 1 1/4 inch hose clamps

The Rainbow Guide (http://rainbowguide.info/) is also looking for donations (http://rainbowguide.info/donations.php) to cover the costs of publishing the Guide. If you've ever traveled and looked up people in the Guide, you know what a great resource this is.


Happenings at the Gathering

There are many wonderful things that happen at a gathering, but I'll list a few highlights. Remember the concept of "Rainbow Time", and that any semi-scheduled event will start when it starts, and not necessarily by the clock.

July 3rd, Cyberspace Circle
At Info on the 3rd at "Rainbow Noon" here is a circle to discuss cyberspace issues, and how to use this resource in a Rainbow appropriate way.

July 4th, Circle for Peace
Join us for a silent circling of people to pray for world peace. The circle for peace starts at sunrise at main circle, and ends around Rainbow noon after a period of OHMing, and the Kiddie Village Parade! Talent Show at Granola Funk. For many years there has been a talent show at the Granola Funk Theater. The last few years have been recorded, and tracks are available at this Rainbow Music (http://www.welcomehome.org/rainbow/music/mp3.html) page.


For more information about Rainbow Gatherings, here are some more documents.

Cleanup Report (http://www.welcomehome.org/rainbow/sites/wym08/2008cleanupreport6_2.pdf)
This is a cleanup report by a person who stayed to the very end of cleanup for Wyoming. It's in PDF format and very large as it has a narrative and pretty photos.

Rainbow Press Crew
The Rainbow press crew is a completely unofficial affiliation of volunteers who - like all the other volunteers who work to make the gathering happen - have not been authorized by anyone to speak for any Rainbow related entities or events.

Gathering Videos (http://www.welcomehome.org/rainbow/video/)
This page has several videos on it, including interviews with local businesses about the positive impactof the gathering on the local community.

Rainbow Legal Background (http://www.welcomehome.org/rainbow/nfs-regs/fsregs.html)
This page has info on the legal issues surrounding the Rainbow Gathering, and the past court cases.

Benefits of Hosting a Rainbow Gathering (http://www.welcomehome.org/rainbow/sites/footnotes.html)
This is an interesting document about the Environmental, Spiritual, Health, and Law Enforcement Benefits of a Gathering.

Rap on Rainbow Disorganization (http://www.welcomehome.org/rainbow/sites/disorg.html)
I grabbed this off AGR the other day, and thought it was a good rough description about the "Organization" of a Rainbow Gathering.

Reality Check (http://www.welcomehome.org/rainbow/sites/reality.html)
I grabbed this off AGR the other day, and thought it was a good introduction for Locals as to what to expect from having a Rainbow Gathering nearby.

Letter to District Rangers (http://www.welcomehome.org/rainbow/sites/carlas-letter.html)
This is a letter written to the District Rangers in the Great Lakes area where the gathering will was held in Michigan.

Open Letter to Folks living in Utah and Surrounding Areas (http://www.welcomehome.org/rainbow/sites/utah2003/utahwelcome.html)
This is an open letter somebody wrote recently on AGR, that I thought I'd reproduce here.

Rainbow Terminology (http://www.welcomehome.org/rainbow/info/rainbow_terminology.html)
This is an interesting paper on various other definitions of Rainbow Family, and how that all applies to our own definitions of Rainbow Family.

Bus Travel Info (http://www.welcomehome.org/rainbow/sites/businfo.html)
This is a page with info on pricing for bus tickets.

Train Travel Info (http://www.amtrak.com/home)
Can't forget Amtrack, on occasion, trains are cheaper than busses.

Tips for a safe journey home & a Positive Gathering (http://www.welcomehome.org/rainbow/sites/tips.html)
This is a good list of tips I grabbed off AGR, that is worth reading.

Rap 420 (http://www.welcomehome.org/rainbow/info/rap420.html)
This is a nice rap I pulled off AGR the other day on how to stay out of jail when driving through a roadblock. (roadblocks and police harassement are highly likely this year).

Topozone (http://www.topozone.com/)
This is a great web site for checking out sites. It contains topographical maps down to a 7.5 quad. Real fun if you like maps.

Other Sources of Information
Now that it's Spring Time, the Forest Service is cranking up their disinformation propoganda machine. While the USFS tries heavily to freak out the locals about the coming Gathering, usually the result is no where as bad as they try to lead folks to believe. Here's a few general media articles looking back on things from the perspective of a year later.

Modoc Country News (http://www.modocrecord.com/)
The Modoc County Record published several articles about the gathering in CA in 2004.

This one is from after the gathering talking about the high quality of cleanup.
Rainbows Leave Forest Clean, Tidy (http://www.welcomehome.org/rainbow/sites/ca2004/NEWS3.html)

This next article is a recap of the  held near Likely.

This next article talks about the [url=http://www.welcomehome.org/rainbow/sites/ca2004/NEWS2.html]Incident Command Team (http://www.welcomehome.org/rainbow/sites/ca2004/NEWS.html1984%20Rainbow%20Gathering%5B/url) and how they are unnecessary.

Rainbows earn praise for cleanup (http://www.welcomehome.org/rainbow/sites/utah2003/cleanup.html)
This was published in the Salt Lake Tribune a month after the gathering, and talks about the quality of the cleanup.

Recap From PA (http://www.welcomehome.org/rainbow/sites/pa99/media/recap.html) ?This is a nice article, where the PA Chief of Police was interviewed about the previous year's gathering. Not suprisingly, he says the harsh propoganda put out by the Forest Service turned out to be completely inaccurate, and that while there few problems, it just wasn't that bad at all. Plus the local business made over $1,000,000.

Without a Trace (http://www.welcomehome.org/rainbow/sites/mt2000/media/notrace.html)
A recent article from the Missoula Independent, talking about how the reality of the Montana gathering, was way less than the locals had been led to believe.

Oregon Cleanup (http://www.welcomehome.org/rainbow/sites/or97/media/Oregon98.htm)
This is an article from the Oregonian, about how well that site has recovered.

Montana Cleanup (http://www.welcomehome.org/rainbow/sites/mt2000/media/cleanup01.html)
This is an article from the Montana Standard about how well the site has recovered.

Idaho Cleanup (http://www.welcomehome.org/rainbow/sites/id2001/media/cleanup01.html) ?This is an article from the Idaho Stateman, about how well that site was cleaned up.

Treading Softly On the Earth: The Rainbow Tribe's Impact on Forest Lands (http://www.welcomehome.org/rainbow/media/cleanup-paper.html)
This article is an indepth look at the cleanup side of the Rainbow Gatherings done by a Taos, NM college student. It goes into detail covering the process of cleanup, and the comments of the various Forest Service's District Rangers years later.


Ride Shares
Star's Rainbow Ride Board (http://www.starsrainbowrideboard.org/index.html)
Last updated June 12th, 2011



Rap on Rainbow Disorganization (http://www.welcomehome.org/rainbow/sites/disorg.html)

Rap on Rainbow Disorganization

I grabbed this off AGR the other day, and thought it was a good rough description about the "Organization" of a Rainbow Gathering. One thing about this kind of article is that if you asked 20,000 people about the Rainbow "organization", you'd get 20,000 somewhat different answers. The one main thread though would be the openess and tolerance for different beliefs, as well as the elevation of the individual's "rights".


Subject: The Politics of the Rainbow Gathering
From: Marty
(Note: This is my own opinion about Rainbow Gatherings based on my attendance at a few of the events.)

There are no official organizers or leaders at Rainbow Gathering. All work, including all management of the work of others, is done by volunteers. Even the gathering council, which makes (a very few) important decisions affecting the whole gathering, does not generally appoint or establish roles at gatherings. There is no centralized management of any of the major operations that keep the gathering functioning. All tasks are handled by individual (self-selected) volunteers or small groups of such volunteers. These smaller groups organize themselves using the same consensus-based decision-making mechanism as the gathering council.

There is no organization behind Rainbow Gatherings, nor an infrastructure. The system of individual cooperation is sufficient to make it all work. After the gathering is over there is no remaining social or legal entity until the following annual gathering.

The closest thing to a permanent entity associated with gatherings it probably this usenet newsgroup (A.G.R.) on which you are reading this message.

There is unanimous resistance to any attempt to organize the gathering by defining official roles, especially roles of representation or leadership, as these would usurp the principle of individual equality, freedom and autonomy that is the organizational basis of the gathering. There is also resistance to defining any organization that would represent the gathering, as this would also violate the most fundamental principles of the gathering.

There is no payment or official reward system for work done at the Rainbow Gathering. The main incentive for volunteers is the personal satisfaction of assisting others at the gathering. In addition there is no funding apart from donations collected during the gathering, and all of the funds are spent by the end of the gathering.

There is no official belief system or political ideology (apart from populism) common to participants at the Rainbow Gathering. The official purpose of the gathering is simply to pray for peace, but even that motive is optional. Atheists, for example, are completely welcome at the gathering. The range of political viewpoints range from radical leftist to extreme right wing.

The only viewpoints which are likely to receive criticism at the Rainbow Gathering are authoritarian or racist viewpoints, since these contradict the inclusiveness and openness implied by the populist basis of the gathering. Such unpopular viewpoints, however, do not preclude participation. Such people are still accepted as full participants, or at least tolerated, at the Rainbow Gathering.

There are no rules of conduct for participation in the Rainbow Gathering. There are several suggested safety and practical guidelines (e.g. sanitation guidelines), but they only address the logistics of a large group camping in the woods, and are only the minimum guidelines necessary to make the gathering safe for all participants. Most of the guidelines are not written down but are passed on by word of mouth.

A few of the key guidelines ("Rap 107") are agreed upon and written down by consensus of the gathering council. Even these guidelines are not officially enforced but are either voluntarily followed, or enforced by pressure from other individuals. There is no official mechanism or policy of enforcement if individuals refuse to comply with the guidelines. This is not viewed as a problem but as an acceptable risk since individual freedom is the key feature of the gathering. Each participant is autonomous and responsible for controlling their own behavior. (This freedom is prized for its entertainment value as well for its ideological appeal.)

There are likewise no guidelines or rules, or official security team, addressing dangerous or unlawful misconduct, nor is there is any official mechanism or policy for excluding anyone from a gathering for such misconduct. Once again it is the responsibility of individuals to behave responsibly, and to protect themselves and others from people engaged in harmful misconduct, short of engaging in vigilante actions. Law enforcement officers (of which there is no shortage at the gathering) are called upon as a last resort, when unlawful behavior places others in immediate danger or when a crime victim chooses to press charges.

In response to dangerous misconduct participants often react swiftly and decisively, often en-mass, to protect themselves and each other. Even though this protective response is voluntary and sometimes dangerous, it is strongly motivated by the satisfaction of assisting others, and it contrasts sharply with the fear and apathy toward crime that prevails in urban areas. In spite of the willingness to risk themselves in the defense of others, very few gathering participants are armed. Arming themselves would violate the nature of the peace gathering, and voluntarily disarming is also considered an acceptable risk.

Although the Rainbow Gathering occurs on July 4th, a US national holiday, the event is not national, or nationalistic. It is officially a "North American" annual "gathering of tribes," indicating international scope and a rejection of the nationalism that accompanies authoritarian governments of both the classical left and right political wings.

Rainbow Gatherings are occasionally criticized by liberals/leftists who wish to see the activist energy of the gathering turned to political ends, and from conservatives/rightists who see the populist theme being dominated by various leftist agenda. The ideological unity of the gathering comes only from the populist ideals of individual freedom, autonomy and equality.

These ideals appeal to participants from both ends of the conventional political spectrum. In some respects the populist, individualistic appeal of the gathering outweighs the classical left-right political alignments. The real political focus of gatherings could be described as populist, and the conflicts between the US government and the Rainbow Gathering could be interpreted as a conflict between populism and pro-corporate big government.

In the current two-party political system of the US government, both the left and right use authoritarian big government to achieve their ends: the right uses national security or religion as the rationale for authoritarian control, while the left uses social and environmental problems as its rationale. Both parties are hopelessly corrupted by power and money, and both have allowed big government to undermine individual rights and freedoms.

The gathering reflects a national populist trend of people reacting against the overwhelming self-serving power of big government and corporations which it serves. Those from the classical political left tend to focus their attack on the power of corporations and their impact on the poor and the environment, while those on from the classic political right tend to focus on the power of out-of-control, self-serving big government.

Now the poles of political ideology are authoritarian v. populist, and within the populist camp the classical left-right polarity is redefined: the libertarian party representing the extreme right; the reformed party, conservatives; the green party, liberals; and the anarchists representing the extreme left. Most others tend to support the two party system by default, in the hope that their candidate is the lesser of two evils.

The populist appeal of the Rainbow Gathering could be the key to the Rainbow Gathering's unity, as well as an indication that the gathering is anything but a non-political event. It is populism in its purist form, representing a rejecting of authoritarian government power.

The primary significance of the gathering occurring in this era of the the dawn of the internet, is that for the first time in human history direct participatory (i.e. pure) democracy may soon be possible.

Rainbow Gatherings may provide some insights of how such a government could function, at least on a local level.


Humbly submitted as a public service by thorfourwinds@thelivingmoon.com   :P

If you're going to hold these, you need to hold more than one, simultaneously.

SKYNET quickly realized that what strategic nuclear strikes, fallout, radiation, plague, famine, disease and sickness had not accomplished, it would have to accomplish on an individual basis using highly specialized tactical rather than blunt approach wide area strategic assets.  Assets which it was in short supply of and for which it would have to adapt its production facilities.  SKYNET realized that its campaign to exterminate the human race would be more difficult than it had at first predicted, an error it rationalized due to its own haste and lack of experience in dealing with its foe.

It was a mistake it would not make again.

Still, it was a mistake that historians will note was one of the early turning points of the war in Humanity's favor, that circumstance reduced SKYNET's ability to fight from a purely strategic, global manner down to a tactical mode of level operation.  When SKYNET could no longer eliminate large numbers of humans using strategic level tools, it had to learn a new way to fight, one it was not familiar with.

Zucotti Park should provide an object lesson in what happens, when large gatherings are held in a single place.  The Eye is exceptionally good at deploying overwhelming force to a single location; that is its' forte, and a reflection of how it thinks.

Do not hold a single large gathering in one place; that is leaving the door wide open for the government to commit an attrocity, irrespective of how peaceful you yourselves may intend to be.  If you are going to gather openly and publically, you should hold smaller gatherings in as many different locations as possible, simultaneously; rather than a single location with a large concentration of people, which would give the government the means of disposing of all of you.

Centralised violence is the strength of the enemy.  Decentralised peace is the strength of the people.

Thanks for the advice, friend.

However, we have been at this for some time, and are aware of the complexities of producing meaningful, large outdoor events.

Many of us have been involved in other large, outdoor, meaningful events for some time and fully recognize the 'opposition.'   :P

Love will win them over to our side - sooner or later.    :-*

We welcome you to visit and share the experience in Montana.   :P

Full Disclosure: We be Rainbow for decades - and working directly for Michael, we were the Site Management Rainbow contact/support at the 1994 'Woodstock 25th Anniversary' in Saugerties - (Hi Joanie Freedom)   :-*  ...:P

(http://www.thelivingmoon.com/43ancients/04images/Bluebird/lg50aa500a.gif) (//http://)

I'm just saying, it says  June 7-9th but  this was posted on the 10th and today is the 11th.   So I assume this event already took place?   


Edward

Greetings:

The June meeting was for 'Spring Council.'

The event starts the 3rd of July.

Directions (this is the site we used in 2000):
From Interstate 15 near Dillon, Montana (about 60 miles south of the Interstate 90/15 interchange). Take the MT-278 exit, EXIT 59, toward Jackson/Wisdom.

Just south of Jackson turn west on SKINNER MEADOW ROAD ... (a right if headed south) toward Idaho, big mountains, (good gravel/dirt road - please respect private ranches - drive slow, watch for cattle).

Go 8.5 miles, through fence and cattle guard into National Forest then take LEFT TURN and ONE LANE BRIDGE over creek (left turn is approx 1.5 miles before Von Houten Lake campground) to FRONT GATE ~ PARKING ~ BUS VILLAGE ~ HANDICAPPED PARKING.

WELCOME HOME!

Howdy Folks!!!

Welcome Home - July 1 - 7  - - - Montana

Directions (this is the site we used in 2000):

From Interstate 15 near Dillon, Montana (about 60 miles south of the Interstate 90/15 interchange).
Take the MT-278 exit, EXIT 59, toward Jackson/Wisdom.
Just south of Jackson turn west on SKINNER MEADOW ROAD ...
(a right if headed south) toward Idaho, big mountains,
(good gravel/dirt road - please respect private ranches - drive slow, watch for cattle)
Go 8.5 MILES, through fence and cattle guard into National Forest
then take LEFT TURN and ONE LANE BRIDGE over creek
(left turn is approx 1.5 miles before Von Houten Lake campground)
to FRONT GATE ~ PARKING ~ BUS VILLAGE ~ HANDICAPPED PARKING



July 4th Prayer/Meditation for World Peace
Dawn until high noon.

Please respect the silence and hold it until ALL the children make it to the center of the circle.

Feel the power of thousands of people meditating, praying, blowing bubbles, doing Tai Chi/yoga for world peace and the positive evolution of the planet.

Participate in creating the peace we want to experience every day around the world.


~~~ Rap 107 ~~~
Please protect this Beautiful Land

Walk softly. Harm no living thing.
Harmonize - Blend in.
Use only down, dead wood.
Do not cut living trees.
Preserve the Meadows . . . camp in the Woods.
And remember, We are caretakers of this land.

Everyone sharing makes a strong Human Tribe!

Please Protect the Water Sources by staying out of DELICATE spring areas.
Avoid camping, peeing or washing above spring areas.
Keep ALL soap out of streams, springs or the creek!
Use a bucket to take your bath 300 feet away from the water source.
To be certain drinking water is safe: boil it for ten minutes at a rolling boil!

Use the slit trenches or covered latrines - cover your paper & waste with ashes or lime, wash hands afterwards.
Break the fly/illness connection: shit-fly-food-you!
Dig no shitters near water areas or kitchens.

Protect our Health!

Use your own cup, bowl & spoon! Wash them after eating and rinse in bleach-water.
Go to C.A.L.M. if you feel ill - especially if you have a contagious disease - or are injured.

Camp Together – Establish neighborhoods.
Community Fires only!
Keep a 5 gallon bucket of water and shovel nearby for Fire Protection.
If you are the last to leave a fire PUT IT OUT!
Please, NO fireworks! Keep you camp secure.
"Tempt Not Lest Ye Be Lifted From."

Pets are discouraged, but if you must bring them, keep them fed, on a leash and out of the kitchens, springs & fights.
Clean up their poop. Love them.



Cleanup begins when you arrive. Please bring only what is necessary.
There is no janitor here . . . YOU are the cleanup crew.
Separate Garbage for recycling. Please DON'T LITTER !
Find a collection point. Compost in pits only.


Participate and Volunteer!
Participate in Shanti Sena (the peace keepers council), work crews, workshops, councils and all activities.
Volunteer wherever and whenever needed:
kitchens, welcome home, firewatch, parking lot, shitter digging, supply, front gate, etc.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T your Sisters' & Brothers' energies.

Keep the Balance: Earth, Sky, Trees, Water & People!

Alcohol is Discouraged.
Guns are Inappropriate.
Violence is contrary to the Spirit.
Please do not take pictures or videos of people without asking their permission first.
Discourage Drug Abuse.

Buying and selling endangers our right to be here.
The Magic Hat is our Bank, please donate early to fund our needs.
The Magic Hat goes around at Dinner Circle and with the Magic Hat Band.

Our power together is many times our power separated.

Enjoy the Rainbow with an open heart and you Will see the Vision.

Please copy and distribute this information freely.
Ignore all rumors of cancellation.
We Love You!

Wow sounds just like home after Katrina. Boiling water, pooping in the yard. Think ill stay home in the AC with a bottle of Johnny Walker Black. Or sit on the back porch a smoke a little hemp! Sounds like a plan. 8)

Rainbow Gathering Montana 2013 | Kate Harnedy Photography (http://katehphoto.photoshelter.com/gallery-slideshow/G0000V41Gd0HaYZA/C0000cAqxlPKCga4?start)

About Kate Harnedy Photography


Kate Harnedy is a documentary and visual journalist based out of Eugene Oregon.  She is drawn to documenting community, alternative lifestyles and social change.  She is also skilled in environmental portraiture, and intrigued by the visual relationship between a person and their surroundings. Kate is available for projects, editorial, and portrait work. She also does event photography, creative collaborations, film stills and fine art prints.


Artist Statement - Community Project

After documenting various community situations such as urban community houses and Rainbow Gatherings, I was drawn to Oregon to explore intentional community and sustainable living the Pacific Northwest is widely known for. 

I started with Alpha Farm: Alpha not only means "beginning," but this community is one of the longest sustaining communities of its kind in the country.  What started as a month long visit turned into a two year residency, and the chance to document moments of community living throughout the changes in the seasons. 

Spending time as an active participant in community gave me insight and understanding that enhanced my documentation.  I also had access to the quiet moments that tell a story and portray a feeling.

I intend to focus on community and sustainable living long term.  Along with established rural communes, such as Alpha Farm, I also will document spontaneous and temporary communities, such as Rainbow Gatherings, homeless camps, and urban community houses. 

I will continue to document communities in the Oregon Coast Range, but also intend to travel and show that this lifestyle exists all over the country. Communities are reflections of cultural differences and similarities in different regions of the country.


Life at Alpha Farm Collection Recognition

-Solo show at Downtown Initiative for the Visual Arts  (DIVA) in Eugene Oregon July-August 2009
-Press for DIVA show including two photographs in The Register-Guard Eugene Oregon August 2009
-Collection acquired by University of Oregon Special Collections 2010
-Blue Sky's Pacific Northwest Photography Viewing Drawers, Portland, Oregon, Juried selection 2012

Living Well Nature Spirit Sancutary Collection Recognition
-Collection acquired by University of Oregon Special Collections 2012
-Blue Sky's Pacific Northwest Photography Viewing Drawers, Portland, Oregon, Juried selection 2013

Limited print series from the above collections are available. If you are interested in supporting the continuation of this project, please contact me at kateharnedyphotography@yahoo.com.

Many images available for licensing and fine art prints. High-resolution versions available.
Email kateharnedyphotography@yahoo.com for inquiries.

I never saw this, Thor. Great thread! I resemble these remarks. I keep apologizing for not visiting the site--which isn't quite true...I visit, I just rarely enter any text because it's extremely tough for me to see. Good news on that front: the Sioux Falls, SD VA is giving my eyes a look on the 18th of this month, and hopefully shortly afterward I will have surgery scheduled, and I'll be getting my life back. I have been re-hired though, as a long-haul truck driver out of Sioux Falls...pending my surgery. Wish me luck!

I love this site and all who post here! I'll be back soon, I'm sure. Till then, I'm a once-in-a-while viewer, and am grateful I can see at all.

Peace and Love,
Oasis
(AKA JD)

Best of luck on Your surgery, JD.  May You pull through grandly!

We got a convoy!