Inspiration Behind my New Collection
Mary Benson Art
There is no feeling quite like biting into a slice of a perfectly ripe, summer tomato - especially if you know where it came from and how it was grown. This summer, I joined a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) with Wild Hope Farm, a local farm in Chester, SC. Not only was the food filled with more nutrients and richer taste, but this farm focuses on sustainable, organic farming.
I took a trip down to Wild Hope farm to learn more about their farming practices and the impact they are making on our local community. 
Creating a Culture Shift
In a world centered around convenience, taking the time to search for local produce requires extra effort. Since Wild Hope Farm started, they have seen the farmers' markets in Charlotte grow. Their goal is to educate the next generation of farmers and consumers about the benefits of organic farming and connecting with local farmers.
Environmental Impact
This farm strives to grow food that is "beyond organic." These practices create more nutrient-dense food and help the ecosystem through polyculture of crops, a diverse insect ecology, and enhanced soil microbiology on the farm.
Benefits to Consumers
Many of the items you get from a CSA are harvested within a couple of days, so everything is much fresher than what you would buy at a store. These items are also grown with a focus on nutrients and flavor rather than shelf life, which allows them to fuel your body better. Learn more about Wild Hope Farm here: https://www.wildhopefarm.com/vision
I love learning more about where my food comes from, and was so inspired by the beauty on the farm! I took lots of photos during my visit, and used these for inspiration on my new collection, "Summer Harvest." This collection has a mixture of paintings of veggies, flowers, and landscapes. These paintings will be available through marybensonart.com on August 15, 2024 at 1pm (early access for my email subscribers!) I hope you love them!
