To Mart We Go! Visit to High School & more... Oct. 18th, 2010

Mart ISD Leadership Class, here we come!!
Our third visit to Mart involved our group visiting the high school students during their leadership class and lunch periods to build awareness about the Mart Community Projects and the collaboration with the University of Texas. We (Sriju, Paula, PhD student~ Jen, and I…unfortunately our other commons group member Amy couldn’t make it) headed north from Austin around 6:30 in the morning to make it to the high school by 8:30 to present to the leadership class. We presented the information via a power point, including general information about who we are and how we are involved in the Mart Community Project.
In addition, we highlighted several past initiatives of the Community Project (such as the Art Co-op opening) and the four ongoing projects. We also gave examples of types of activities community commons/gardens may be used for, such as: friends meeting places, neighborhood gatherings, parties, board games, performances, fitness/yoga, reading/relaxation, and nature education. In addition, we gave a specific example of a community commons in Berkeley, called Peralta community garden. Finally, we outlined reasons that volunteering and service learning opportunities are cool, i.e. good for the individual and the community, along with ways they can support the project as it develops.
It was great to visit the school! The students were very welcoming and inspiring to us. We were very pleased to have about 15 students join us during their leadership class in the library to learn about the project and potential volunteer opportunities. Some of the students even offered to recruit their friends! When asked what they would like to see change in their community, many students had very insightful responses. Some mentioned there is a lot of garbage strewn about the community, a lot of abandoned buildings, and they would like to see this change. In addition, several commented that there isn’t much to do in Mart for young people, such as go to the movies or a bowling alley.
We had them sign in with their preferred contact information (email or phone). Unfortunately, the students are not able to check their email from school, so many of them provided their phone numbers instead. We were able to forward the power point presentation on to those with email so they could refer back to it later and pass the information along to their friends and/or family.
From there, we went to the donut shop for some breakfast and spoke with the owner, a man originally from Cambodia, who had moved to Mart from Houston. He was excited to learn about the art co-op, as he hadn’t heard about it before our brief visit. As a business owner, he was understandably interested in anything that could bolster customers in the restaurants and retail stores of Mart. He also spoke endearingly about Mart being a “safe” place to live, mentioning that if you should forget to lock your doors; most likely no one will take advantage of this.
With fresh kolaches to go, we headed over to the art co-op to meet with Mrs. Davis, one of the library board members to discuss the revised plan. She spoke very candidly about an overarching concern that the board is experiencing. In short, in general, the group is concerned that the project may break ground and then never come to fruition. Paula was able to address the concern and continue facilitating the discussion towards next steps. She reassured Mrs. Davis that no one would be coming in with shovels until the fiscal requirements for the project were secured. In addition, we discussed the fact that the plan is conceptual and needs to be agreed upon before we can really continue to move forward with this projected spot. By continuing long-distance communication with the board (via email and with Mrs. Davis as an intermediary since our meeting on the 18th), we hope to set a deadline for approval of the conceptual plan for sometime near the first week of November.
We visited the high school again for lunch, and were surprised and pleased that several students readily approached us to “see what we were up to”. Once again, it was a great visit and we were very impressed with the maturity and ambition of the students. A couple of other interesting observations that we made while visiting ~ despite the fact that these children are growing up in a small/rural community does not make them devoid of “issues”. For example, we noticed that one student was pregnant and wondered what type of services and/or support may be available in Mart for teen parents. In addition, we wondered if there might be any groups available for LGBT and questioning students. We learned shortly after, that, No, there are not. So much “room” for it! Wouldn’t it be great to have social work final field placements in rural communities such as Mart? We also observed that most of the students who approached us were African American/Black. Interesting observations…
We also made a couple other visits during our time in Mart.
On the way to visit the black cemetery, we hooked up with Paula’s adult niece as Paula was snapping photographs in her neighborhood. She accompanied us for the rest of the afternoon as we drove around town. The cemeteries…First of all, it is extremely disheartening/frightening/overwhelming that the cemeteries are still actively segregated in today’s society. Not only do they exist, but there is such disparity regarding the land and the upkeep. For example, there is a popular “dump site” just behind the black cemetery in the woods. As Paula went on snapping her photos, her niece commented that we should send them to the local newspaper to print and get the community all riled up. I agree! Maybe the energy would lead to change!
We were also fortunate enough to be able to visit Mrs. Handy, a 103 year old retired teacher! She is living in her home, and she was kind enough to share some stories with us about her time in college. If my memory serves me, she was the first African American female to graduate from Huston Tillotson in Austin. She also had plenty of good questions for us, and graciously invited us back for a visit!

Art in Mart~ CRAFT Model style!

Art in Mart blog continues!  Our group traveled to Mart for the second time with the Co-op group on October 4^th.  This trip focus in reference to the CRAFT model was within the Contact and Research cells.  We had a couple of meetings scheduled:  one with a couple members of the library board and the resident master gardener, and the other with the principals of the MISD. 

To begin with, we met with those associated with the library to show them the draft of our plan.  While the plan is in fact drawn out, it is meant to be conceptual in nature and presented with the hopes of eliciting feedback and continuing to engage in a conversation about the garden/commons area.

The library group brought up several legitimate concerns such as, cost, labor, and sustainability.  While these are the same concerns that our group has, we talked to them about the process and explained that before moving forward with these logistics – the concept needs to be approved by those in charge of the lot.  Once the concept is approved, the research can continue in these areas and beyond.  While the craft model is not linear, action may begin to take place once all necessary research is conducted. 

The group also offered some good feedback regarding the general layout of the plan.  The plan was then revised with their suggestions and shared via email with the board and other interested parties, such as the master gardener. 

Paula also offered the group an interesting article on Detroit as an up and coming artist haven.  I can’t find the article online, but below is a link to a local Detroit rag that talks about the current trend.  Also, one of the organizations mentioned was the Heidelberg Project.  I’ve also included their link.  This project has done a lot of partnering with Universities as well.  Also, please notice the plan was drafted by a landscape architect student! :o)

http://detnews.com/article/20090313/LIFESTYLE/903130306/Detroit-s-hard-edge----and-dirt-cheap-real-estate----attract-artists-from-around-the-world

http://www.heidelberg.org/develop.html

To be honest, the lines are a little blurred for me at this point regarding ownership of the project.  As beneficiaries, this group does not seem interested in developing the plan themselves.  I am confused at this point, because it’s not as though the three of us have any more knowledge or experience in developing such a plan than the library group themselves.   Yet, we are being asked to develop this aspect of the project.  We are hoping to recruit experts (e.g. landscape architects) from the community to support the actual “blueprint” plan of the garden, once the concept is approved for this site.  More clarity on this issue to follow… I imagine…

Next, we met with the Mart ISD principals.  This was an awesome contact meeting!  With a collective student body population of approximately 350, the principals have a good handle on who their students are and were confident that several would be interested in service learning opportunities offered through the Mart Community Projects.  This day, we specifically discussed the commons area and the art co-op, and various ways the students may be involved.  Some of these ways included creative consultation, creating art installations, participating in art workshops, and “work parties”.  We scheduled a subsequent meeting for the 18^th, to present to high school students.

In addition, we ate lunch at the Cozy Kitchen and were able to witness Paula in action ~ doing research.   This involves talking to residents about the Mart Community Project to bolster awareness and continue to develop community partners.  It was a great trip, and we left looking forward to returning!

Blog Assignment #1: Impressions from initial visit to Mart, Texas

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  Compare and contrast the proposed contemporary state of social, cultural and economic development of Lithuanian rural settlements, the major reasons for decaying historical buildings, and the proposed benefits of historic site restoration in Lituana to what you observed in Mart, Texas.  

Karvelytė-Balbierienė, V., Mlinkauskiene, A., & Gražuleviciute-Vileniške, I. (2009). The Present State of the Built Historic Environment of Lithuanian Rural Settlements and Its Potential for Sustainable Socioeconomic Development (Case of Sudovia Region). Proceedings of the International Scientific Conference: Rural Development; 2009, Vol. 4 Issue 1, p61-67, 7p

There are actually many similarities between Lithuanian rural settlements and Mart, Texas, in regards to the topic of built historic environment of rural settlements and their potential for sustainable socioeconomic development.  Socio-economically, both are experiencing an "ageing of the population".  Economically, both communities are experiencing a "lack of diversification of businesses", unemployment, and poverty.  Both communities are also struggling to thrive culturally.  The article cited above mentions the deagrarization of rural Lithuanian rural settlements as a major reason for a decrease in inhabitants and thus increase in socioeconomic and cultural problems.  At this point, I don't know if the same is true for Mart, Texas...if it was once a booming agricultural community.  This is something we can learn more about during a subsequent trip there. 

I would also guess that the reasons for decaying historical buildings are also similar in comparison.  The above cited article mentions 5 major reasons for decaying historical buildings in rural Lithuania:

1) abandonment, lack of maintenance, and low quality repair works 2) preservation problems of wooden buildings 3) inappropriate use 4) inaccessibility to society and 5) ownership problems (Karvelytė-Balbierienė et al., 2009). 

Our whirlwind tour of Mart during our initial visit provided me with some background understanding of ownership problems that are comparable to rural Lithuanian settlements.  The article explains that ownership problems are apparent in most post-soviet countries because private ownership was abolished and then restored.  It describes one property that is owned by two main and several minor owners.  This poses a challenge because it is difficult for all owners to agree on what should become of the property.  Conversely, in Mart, we learned that several of the historic buildings are owned by the same family which creates a monopoly regarding the possible restoration of the buildings. 

The proposed benefits also mirror eachother.  "Renewal and reuse of the built historic environment can lead to socioeconomic rehabilitation of previously declining depopulated areas" (Karvelytė-Balbierienė et al., 2009).  What is true for rural Lithuania is also true for Mart:  the preservation "can contribute to and enhance the entrepreneurship, sustainable tourism, diversification of economic activities, and innovation" (Karvelytė-Balbierienė et al., 2009).  Developing the Co-op in Mart to become a place where artists and crafts people can gather to CREATE can also become an economic opportunity by showcasing art.  With the support of micro financing, the efforts of the artists could even reach beyond art openings and become a viable opportunity for income.  I can't help but compare the up and coming art community in Mart to that of Marfa Texas.  What was once a sleep little town in West TX is now a sleepy little town with an undenialbe constant creative buzz...It is still a quiet little town, but there's something in the air.  I can imagine Mart becoming an artist destination too! 

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  This study examined whether or not urban community gardens are perceived as spacess in which people of different races can successfully integrate and benefit from community gardens, using a case study in St. Louis. Compare and contrast how this concept applies to a poverty-stricken, racially-divided southern, rural location such as Mart, Texas. 

Glover, T.D., Parry, D.C., Shinew, K.J. (2004). Leisure Spaces as Potential Sites for Interracial Interaction:  Community Gardens in Urban Areas.  Journal of Leisure Research.  Vol. 36, No. 3, pp. 336-355.

This concept also applies to poverty-stricken, racially-divided, southern, rural areas such as Mart, Texas.  The study asserts that "finding ways to improve race relations is an important societal issue" (Glover, T.D., et al, 2004).  One approach posits that an increase in positive contact between different racial groups will have a positive impact on their attitudes and behaviors towards one another.  The study goes on to say that while little empirical work has been conducted to test the theory that community gardens are effective sources for bridging the gap between racially diverse groups...those conducting the study "on no accession" witnessed the interracial contact actually "leading to more negative racial attitudes" (Glover, T.D., et al, 2004).  

The  message I take from this, keep working together!!!  From our limited time in Mart, it was pretty evident that it is still a racially-divided community in many ways.  For example, we met with board members of the public library during our visit, all of whom were white.  With that being said, I think any type of community activity that offers the opportunity for integration and improvement of community spaces is positive. 

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  The author discusses how the “Barbie” image serves as a global agent in shaping women’s ideas of beauty and presents the particular interpersonal and socioeconomic consequences of this image in Nigeria.  Compare and contrast this to the particular needs of young African American girls in Mart.  How does the “global” discussion mask the intra-country need for discourse on the topic?

Okafor, Chinyere G. (2007). Global encounters: 'Barbie' in Nigerian Agbogho-mmuo mask context. Journal of African Cultural Studies, Vol. 19 Issue 1, p37-54, 18p

During our initial visit to Mart, we didn't interact with any of the children and adolescents, but I imagine their needs are similar to young people anywhere.  Cultural enrichment programs set the stage for young people to tap into their roots for greater understanding and appreciation for where they came from.  This project pulls from the curriculum of "Sisters of Nia", which is all about cultural enrichment, leadership, building self-esteem, and providing the opportunity to work with positive role-models.  From a very young age, we are bombarded with images of what women should look like and behave like.  While Barbie is an iconic symbol related to many of our childhoods, she too provides young girls with an unrealistic image of what women should look like.  I'm not sure that I understand the final question, because I don't think that the global discussion really obscures the discourse within our own country on this topic. (???)  I think that there is a discourse regarding the affects on  young girls that such a depiction fosters.  In the states, we have so many Barbie-like figures shown to us through various types of media everyday.  So, the intra-country discourse goes beyond the detrimental affects of Barbie. 

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  This study examined 2 different approaches to participatory rural development in terms of effectiveness, efficiently and sustainability in North-West Frontier Province (NWFP), Pakistan. Compare and contrast the types participatory rural development in this province to what we can expect in Mart. While the article in based more on wide-scale initiatives to capital formation and capacity building, you should focus on the participatory elements. How are we going about involving Mart citizens in terms of institutional and capacity building?

Shah, Iqtidar Ali (2009). People's Participation in Rural Development Projects in the North-West Frontier Province of Pakistan: A Comparative Review and Analysis of Sarhad Rural Support Programme (SRSP) and Integrated Rural Development Project (IRDP). African & Asian Studies; 2009, Vol. 8 Issue 1/2, p175-184, 10p   

What I was able to take from this article were several "keys to success" noted as successful vehicles in participatory rural development in NWFP Pakistan.  These elements also translate to how we might go about involving the citizens of Mart.  The first key is to remain FLEXIBLE.   "Flexibility of design and implementation" is crucial (Shah, Iqtidar Ali,2009).   A rigid approach towards participatory development will not serve the project well, and we should keep this in mind during our time in Mart.  The citizens are the experts (much like in social work when we say 'the client is the expert'), and in order to be successful, we have to have some faith in the process.  By this I mean that, it's okay to make mistakes along the way.  The process of development might get "messy", but so long as we are able to take something from these experiences and continue moving forward, we're headed in the right direction.
Another "key to success" from the article which is that, "a process oriented model is more compatible to the local socio-cultural environment" and can more readily lead to "good institutional development" compared to a "blueprint approach" (Shah, Iqtidar Ali,2009).  A process oriented model is more likely to tap into local norms and values than the blueprint approach.  This is an important element for sustainability.  A question that I had after reading this article was, How do we sustain participation? 

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  This article presents findings based on fieldwork, and individual and group interviews in a rural community that has succeeded in turning depression into optimism and vitality through processes of image construction whereby Fjærland, Norway was re-created as an image of being a small, quiet and picturesque book town.  Compare and contrast both the process and the results to what is happening and could emerge as a result of the new income generation projects and community rejuvenation projects at the new Co-Op in Mart or as a result of the Mapping Project.

Jostein, V. & Villa, M (2010). Books, Branding and Boundary Objects: On the Use of Image in Rural Development (Norway). Sociologia Ruralis; Apr2010, Vol. 50 Issue 2, p156-170,(15p)    

Expressions of new realities... this is what the rural community in Norway and Mart have in common.  New realities are being shaped through visual art.  Through the visual art projects in Mart, people with different interest, identities, and ideas are working together.  The article asserts that this mobilization of such cooperative efforts is at the heart of rural community development. 
The article is also very honest in stating that it is often the images that shock and awe us that gain attention.  With that in mind, it also mentions that it's important to consider the effects that the images could have on future realities.  While the image should be clear, it should also be open to multiple interpretations in order to speak to a broad range of people. 
The community in Norway includes a success story of a town that re-branded itself to increase optimism and rejuvenate the citizens of the floundering fjord.  Similarly, the citizens of Mart could experience a revitalization through projects such as the new income project at the Co-op.  Providing a space where artists can exercise their entrepreneurial spirit is a very exciting prospect!  In addition, the virtual mapping project could entice potential visitors by highlighting various sites and businesses in Mart. 
And finally, the article reminds us that you can't please everyone all the time.  The example from the article includes mention that though some citizens didn't "really care too much for the book town as a concept, as such it was considered a good thing" (Jostein, V. & Villa, M 2010).  Ultimately, it attracted people and activities to the community.  The same may be true in Mart.  For example, during our visit we learned that not many people were excited by the prospect of a mosaic mural on a business front, but once they saw the finished product (at the Mart Co-op), many wanted to learn more about how they too could get involved and maybe even create a mosaic of their own!