By Andrea K. Hammer
Driving up the long, forested road toward Stockton University in Galloway, an intriguing sign for a sustainable farm set the tone for the annual Lines on the Pines event in the large, light-filled Campus Center. High energy emanated from more than 80 authors, artists, artisans and musicians who gathered to celebrate their shared passion for the N.J. Pine Barrens on March 9.
At the entrance, life-like wood carvings of owls and other creatures captured immediate attention. An overflowing crowd throughout the center swarmed around tables filled with colorful stained glass and ceramics, turtles created from fish shells, stunning photos of birds, historical books about the area and informational pamphlets about the Wharton State Forest and Batsto Village plus more. Several women pulled and spun wool with a sense of zen-like serenity amid the buzzing conversation and activity in the center, hallways and auditorium.
Offering warm greetings and an instant feeling of recognition and commonality among others who draw creativity from nature, demonstrators and presenters readily answered questions and freely shared their experiences about living and working throughout the N.J. Pine Barrens. A fascinating discussion with Swan Bay Farm’s Niki Giberson, who is also the mayor of Port Republic, revealed the ways that she has created a sustainable business caring for nine adult and eight baby sheep.
Along with selling a range of hand-crafted products and kits from the sheep’s wool, she also runs Swan Bay Folk Art Center (www.handsonhistory.com). Besides the farm, her Port Republic property has a classroom for basketry, a barn/studio with a workshop for quilting and doll making, a carving shop, a fine arts classroom and a 1931 Model A Ford showroom.
“I’m enamored of community being built. It doesn’t matter what form,” said Giberson, who is currently exhibiting her baskets in “From Her Garden” at the Noyes Museum Galleries, Kramer Hall, in Hammonton through March 21 (https://noyesmuseum.org/current-exhibitions).
Another memorable exchange with Steve Fiedler, a founding member and co-chair of Go Green Galloway, offered the opportunity to learn about his four films including Friends Along the Mullica (available to view at https://gogreengalloway.org). The project promotes and advocates the historical preservation and environmental protection of the Mullica River Watershed.
“I needed a project during COVID and learned about filmmaking from my brother, who is a videographer,” he said.
The information-packed day concluded with the chance to learn more about NJ Veg, an all-volunteer group educating the public about the benefits of a plant-based diet and providing social opportunities. For more information, visit NJveg.org.
Andrea K. Hammer is a freelance writer who has published arts and business articles in international publications.
