Most of my early professional work was ethnographic, having received doctoral training in anthropology. I later began crafting stories with materials, sounds and light to express what is beyond language. I still work in relationship with people but mostly, nowadays, with plants and soils whose lessons are far worthier of our attention.

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10 Ways that Places Matter

This Thursday, two handfuls of us are convening in lower Manhattan to decide on the 2011 Place Matters Award - this year honors are for places and landscapes in Lower Manhattan, specifically those located below Houston Street, from river to river, and including Governor’s Island.

This award pays tribute to sites listed on the Census of Places that Matter, a publicly generated survey of the special places where we live, work and play.

It just so happens that friends from California and North Carolina are in town this weekend so it’s with renewed enthusiasm that I take them around my city - and my ma’s city and my grands’ city.

fyi, here are the selection criteria for 10 Ways that Places Matter:

1. marks history

2. hosts gatherings

3. fosters creativity

4. keeps traditions alive

5. creates public and open space

6. contributes beauty

7. symbolizes a social movement

8. enhances a community

9. hosts long-standing establihsments

10. represents something unique or distinctive

The Award Ceremony will be this October + the party has been generously funded by the American Express Partners in Preservation Program, with the City Lore/Place Matters team staying on board to help with all manner of cultural, political, and economic support needed to keep these places in our lives.

Unsung Heroes

Arcangel + Harvestworks