Orkestai Farm was founded in 2014 by Alethea Vasilas, Joshua Marcus, and Erin Staub. We are a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose goal is embrace the principles of universal design while practicing ecological agriculture and expressive arts. Since our inception we have created opportunities for community members to be impactful within our local food system and community.
Our name derives from the ancient Greek word “orkheisthai,” meaning “to dance or to set in motion, to stir up, to raise,” and refers to the space of the ancient theater where choruses of dancers moved together to interpret the non-verbal aspects of the play being performed. It beautifully describes how we envision a farm; as a community collaboration that needs an orchestra of farmers who work together to grow healthy food and merry people.
Orkestai Farm believes that human beings can have a regenerative relationship in reciprocity with our shared Earth when our ways of being take into account the interconnectedness of ALL things. This conception of interconnectedness leads also to the striving for an inclusive community and culture. At the farm we intend to create a sanctuary where an inclusive and embracing community can come together to slow down, unplug from the latest technology, delve into embodied and experiential learning and exploration, be buoyed by a sense of belonging, develop an awareness of our interconnectedness, renew the spirit, honor our ancestors, celebrate over good food, share our harvest, and cultivate diversity (biodiversity, neurodiversity, cultural diversity, etc.)
Because forming an inclusive community is central to our farm philosophy, we are committed to organizing our farm on a human scale. Our focus is on tools (an extension of hands) rather than machinery (human replacement). The human-scale allows for bio-intensive cultivation and a safe, peaceful, and community-oriented atmosphere.