Day to day, our program staff is out in the world doing the work - delivering food, chopping vegetables, working with farmers on efficiencies, helping food start-ups scale up, taking students to meet a cow for the first time - all while collecting stories of those experiences. Meaningful and inspirational, these stories describe not only the work that CAE does, but the importance of that work. The challenge is then how to best share those stories with the community. There are many different ways to tell a story, through the written word video, statistics, infographics and more.

In an effort to tell the story of CAE visually, we facilitated a creative collaboration to bring that story to the community through wearable art, which turned into a story of partnership & collaboration itself. Art is something a person can viscerally relate to. It drives emotion, connection. We set out to create something beautiful that would spark joy and prompt conversation about how CAE works in the community.

Margie Prevot, who has served on the CAE board since 2017 helped us work with local outdoor gear company Skida, to create an exclusive CAE neck warmer, the lightweight Skida tour, (now available for purchase on our website!) that graphically captures the breadth of work CAE is involved in through an exclusive print designed by local artist Jess Graham.

Having been part of CAE for four years, Margie has seen the impact of the organization, and how it prioritizes centering and responding to community needs. Margie was excited about the opportunity to help tell CAE’s story visually and create a finished product that people can wear. When asked what excites her most about CAE’s work, she responded “the holistic nature of the organization as it relates to the community. The fact that CAE is involved in community, schools, local businesses, with local people. The extent that they care about the community in a really authentic manner is extraordinary.” 

“The holistic nature of the organization as it relates to the community. The fact that CAE is involved in community, schools, local businesses, with local people. The extent that they care about the community in a really authentic manner is extraordinary.” - Margie Prevot, CAE Board Co-Chair 

We worked with Morrisville-based artist Jess Graham, of Jess Graham Studio, to translate CAE’s work into fun and engaging art. Jess started her studio in 2007, creating illustrations for print and fabric, and designing and painting large-scale murals. She enjoys working with clients, especially their enthusiasm for seeing their project come to life. Jess appreciates CAE’s mission and the meaningful work we take on in the community. When we asked her what her dream is for the future of Vermont and the NEK she shared “I grew up on a dairy farm in Morrisville. I have seen family farms disappear. My dream for the NEK is that a connection to the land continues to see a resurgence, and that living and working in the NEK becomes more viable for a wider group of socio-economic backgrounds.” 

“I grew up on a dairy farm in Morrisville. I have seen family farms disappear. My dream for the NEK is that a connection to the land continues to see a resurgence, and that living and working in the NEK becomes more viable for a wider group of socio-economic backgrounds.” 

We are thrilled to share this collaboration, and the synergy of working with Margie and Jess to create something beautiful rooted in the community, land, and food we care so deeply about. Consider purchasing a CAE tour for yourself or a friend. All proceeds will go to support our work championing local agriculture. 
 

The "Rural Roots" Snow Tour is available exclusively through CAE, purchase yours today. 

Purchase a "Rural Roots" Snow Tour!