Since childhood, I've always loved gardening and getting my hands in soil.  When I'm tending to the earth, my mind is at rest and my imagination is inspired to fly. Gardens foster patience and openness to improvisation ... stuff that’s also needed for stagecraft! 

The concept of plants as "green scenery" took hold in my plans while I became a Master Gardener with the University of Illinois and taught garden/arts programs to children (K-12) all around Chicago. I created plays with the kids in garden spaces too and eventually I met with Alderman Harry Osterman of the 48th Ward to pitch the idea of a theater garden, a space where we'd "produce" on two levels - food and theater.  The Alderman showed me an abandoned lot in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood and said if I could work with the community to transform it, I could use it as permanent space for this idea and my Green Scene Chicago practice. So I did that. With LOTS of people!  ( WINTHROP HARMONY ARTS) It was fun, hard work and a hugely rewarding.

And now, into our 5th summer,  the Winthrop Harmony Arts Garden has bloomed! It's thriving with abundant growth and performances presented free to the public. Our gardeners include: eleven neighborhood families, garden clubs from four local social service agencies, and the Summer Stock Teen Ensemble that I hire each summer.   We are all dedicated to growing this green scene and the community connections we are fostering with youth, seniors, and artists.  If you would like to join the effort please connect with me via email martie@greenscenechicago.org
 

peas and love, 

Martie