"Value you. Value me. Together we value the earth." - DeWayne Barton

DeWayne is a native of Asheville, N.C. He grew up in Washington, D.C. and is a Gulf War Veteran. He is the author two books of poetry and has been involved in community and youth development for over 30 years. As a visual and performing artist, he is involved in environmental justice issues—both through his art and his community involvement. His mixed-media, found-art installations have been featured at Duke University, Smithsonian Institute’s Museum of African American History and Culture, and the August Wilson Museum. He is co-founder of both Peace Gardens & Market and Green Opportunities. In 2019, he was selected as a Robert Woods Johnson Culture of Health Leader. He is the founder and CEO of Hood Huggers Intl. and Hood Tours - building communication, connection, and wealth using the arts, environment, and social enterprise. DeWayne was appointed by the governor to the board of the NC Arts Council, is the current President of the Burton Street Community Association, and a 2022 Fellow with the Appalachian Regional Commission’s Leadership Institute. His latest endeavor, the Blue Note Junction, is a community health and business incubator and will serve as a climate resiliency hub as part of the NC Climate Justice Collective.

“Of course we work to protect our children and environment, ensuring growth for the future, but our people are suffering now. We need answers. We need help. We need change now.” -Richie Harding

Richie majored in computer programming at Hardbarger Junior College of Business. He’s the pastor for New Vision Christian Center. He’s also the CEO of Visionware Recordings and the Executive Director of Gaston Youth. Gaston Youth teaches kids to grow vegetables and appreciate the earth. Richie and his community face pollution from hog farms and wood pellets facilities. His mother worked to protect their community’s water 20 years ago. Richie is proud to follow in her footsteps.

“There’s no better place to pour your heart out and have a good cry than in the giant root arms of an old beech tree. And sometimes the tree will cry with you.” - Holly Paar

Denizen of WNC for 30 years, Holly is a painter, musician, poet, filmmaker, photographer and storyteller. She has premiered two films at the Asheville Fringe Festival, held art shows, performed live–solo and with bands, won poetry slams, and generally had a good time. She’s a self-proclaimed “Adventure Artist”, a druid, and currently the Director of Advancement for Dogwood Alliance. You can follow her art at hmpaar.com.