Otsego 2000 - Creatives Rebuild New York

A group of people sit on folding chairs arranged in a semi-circle, attentively listening to a speaker standing behind a podium. The setting is a lush garden with neatly trimmed hedges and trees providing a natural backdrop. The scene is serene, with a view of a lake or river visible in the distance, enhancing the peacefulness of the environment. Attendees are dressed casually, suggesting a relaxed and informal gathering. The sky is overcast, contributing to the tranquil atmosphere of this outdoor event.

Photo courtesy of Chris Carr

A person is sitting at a desk in front of a projector screen. The setting appears to be an educational environment, likely during a presentation or lecture. The individual may be dressed in professional clothing and is situated in a conference hall or classroom that includes elements such as a whiteboard and other academic materials.

CRNY artist Chris Carr delivering a presentation

Photo by Chris Carr

A group of people is actively digging in the dirt, likely engaging in an outdoor activity. The setting appears to be a grassy area with trees around, suggesting it may be a garden or landscaping project. They are wearing summer clothing and appropriate footwear for working on the soil. Various tools and bags are present as they work together to manage the mud and dirt.

Photo by Chris Carr

The image features a group of people posing together for a photo indoors. The participants are wearing casual clothing, including jeans and stylish footwear. They are smiling and appear to be enjoying each other's company, showcasing a sense of friendship and interaction in a celebratory atmosphere.

Photo by Chris Carr

A group of people is collaborating on creating a sand sculpture. They are working outdoors, cutting and shaping the sand with various tools. The scene captures the creative energy and teamwork involved in the sculpting process.

Photo by Chris Carr

The Collaboration

Artist Chris Carr collaborated with Otsego 2000 to develop “Otsego 2000 presents,” a series of community discussions, events, and lectures presented in audio and video podcast form. He interviewed artists, philosophers, conservationists, and others about social justice, ecology, and more. The series aimed to increase awareness about environmental issues, expand environmental discussions, and to connect nonprofit and grassroots organizations with environmentally-minded people. By engaging in this community outreach, Chris helped to build a path towards more diversity and representation in conservation, environmental stewardship and sustainable practices as well as help to engage communities via art, gatherings, media content, and performances. He also helped to document Otsego 2000’s events and activities for social media promotion, helping to generate new ideas and frameworks for future projects for the organization.

The Organization

Otsego 2000 is an environmental and preservation advocacy nonprofit based in Cooperstown, NY. Otsego 2000 endeavors to ensure healthy environmental and economic futures for present and coming generations through informed advocacy, public education, innovative projects, and new ideas for economic advancement. Programs include the year-round Cooperstown Farmers’ Market, Otsego Outdoors, and Glimmerglass Film Days.

The "Otsego 2000 Presents" series builds on what we do with Glimmerglass Film Days and informs our environmental stewardship work as well as Otsego Outdoors and the Cooperstown Farmers' Market. Chris Carr helped us advance and inspire discussions on issues central to our work. Ellen Pope

This was the first time in my adult life where I had the ability to make art, travel, meet passionate people, work with rural communities, and work with elders and youth—where every day was different, where I was teaching and learning as a practice, and I got paid a living wage. Chris Carr

Chris brings lots of passion from a number of sources to our project: the commitment of the environmentalist, the creativity of the artist, and the perspective of an urbanite who "gets" the rural sensibility. Dan Sullivan, Otsego 2000 board member

Artists

Chris Carr

Location

Otsego County, NY

Communities Served

Rural

Seniors

Youth