Justin and Shannon Roberts, 2019 Bernheim Regional Artists in Residence, Walk the Willow Co-owners & NSAI Co-Founders
The New South Arts Initiative is a non-profit organization focused on supporting and growing biological and cultural diversity in the American South through the arts and arts related activities. Through creative placemaking, we install social, Eco-art installations, and host cross-sectional, artistic programs to ignite conversations, invoking social change. By working across various industries, interests, and passions our shared goals of a healthier, more peaceful tomorrow can start today. Our first program, Creative Communities with Justin Roberts, tackles noxious plant removal by engaging the community through social art. It started in our hometown public library in Murray, Kentucky. Since December 2018, we have removed over 2,500 invasive plants from Kentucky public lands. We are now working on project plans for 2020.
We are also working with the Kentucky Arts Council and individual treatment facilities to offer willow chair workshops to Kentuckians that struggle with drug abuse and addiction. This program is scheduled to start in 2020.
“Choices at the Calloway County Public Library”
Sounds of a Whippoorwill – Josephine
Sounds of a Whippoorwill – Bernheim
Partners and Support
We are honored. The Pollination Project and the Kentucky Invasive Plant Council are pledging $1000.00 each to our cause. These funds will purchase scaffolding and allow us to proceed with the second stage of the “Choices @ CCPL” project. We give a hearty thank you to these outstanding organizations for their support! #seedthechange #KIPC
Walk the Willow 