"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.

"It never fails. There is something about the forests that awakens the child in me and begs me to take off my shoes and play." - Safiya Myers

Born to parents in the Army, Safiya has had many addresses and understands how to make a place a home. She loves to be immersed in cultures outside of her own through travel and listening to stories. Safiya believes storytelling is the medicine we need. You can often find her listening to her favorite storytelling podcasts or snuggling her super cute daughter.

Ethnobiologist Marc Williams has taught hundreds of classes to thousands of people about plants, humans, other life forms and their interface. His training includes a B.A. in Environmental Studies/Sustainable Agriculture from Warren Wilson College with a minor in Business and a M.A. in Appalachian Studies/Sustainable Development from Appalachian State University with a minor in Planning/Geography. He has over 20 years of experience working at various restaurants, farms, and travels throughout 30 countries in Central/North/South America, Europe and all 50 states in the USA. More information can be found at www.botanyeveryday.com."

Marsha Almodovar is a mother, painter, novice writer, and activist. She currently works for a local Asheville non-profit. She’s facilitated racial equity and inclusion training for local area nonprofits and businesses. Marsha is a mixed-medium painter. She uses her art to highlight social justice issues. Currently, she’s publishing a Spanish-language children's book. Marsha has served on numerous boards and commissions that speak to her personal mission of art and inclusion. Marsha is a 2023 Impact Award recipient from Tzedek Social Justice Fund. The award goes to people engaged in deep change or community healing work in Asheville using the wisdom they gained from navigating systems of oppression.

Lockie Hunter holds an MFA in creative writing from Emerson College in Boston and has taught creative writing at Warren Wilson College. She serves as curator of the long-running Juniper Bends Reading Series Reading series and co-producer of the poetry and prose radio program Wordplay on 103.3 FM in Asheville. Her words have appeared in publications including The North Carolina Review, The Baltimore Review, Quarter After Eight, Hiram Poetry Review, McSweeney’s Internet Tendency, Slipstream, Brevity, Gulf Stream Literary Magazine, Arts & Opinion, New Plains Review and others. Lockie has received scholarships/grants from The North Carolina Arts Council and the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts. Her essays have been nominated for Best of the Net Awards and the John Burroughs Nature Essay Award.

Puerto Rico born. Northeast raised. Mari is a fiercely independent free spirit. She strives to inspire that same level of self-determination for others. Especially women of color. Mari has a BA in Environmental Studies & Education from Prescott College in Arizona. That prepared her for a life of social and environmental impact. It also prepared her to be an educator, inside and outside the classroom. Mari is on a personal journey to decolonize her mind. To heal from the internalized harm that systems of oppression have conditioned her to take on. She’s leaning deeper into her imperfections. She's finding compassion for herself and others. Mari immerses herself in the natural world, when possible. There she finds nurturing, grounding, and a deep sense of purpose.