First two events in the Olga Strawberry Council’s “Strawberry Series” Celebration
May 7 and May 9
— from the Olga Stawberry Council —
Orcas Island had a burgeoning Marshall strawberry industry from the early 1930s until 1943. However, a combination of disease in the strawberry plants and a shortage of war-time labor led to its demise and the closing down of the historic Olga Strawberry Barreling Plant, now known as the Artworks Building.
By 2007 there were just three Marshall strawberry plants left in the world and they were located at the USDA’s Germplasm Repository in Corvallis, Oregon. While in graduate school in Boston, Leah Gauthier requested some runners from the scientists at Corvallis. Since she was growing them for food not for research, and also returning them to their native east coast, they generously and enthusiastically FedExed her several baby Marshalls and it was love at first sight. Three plants took from those first runners, and since then they have traveled with Leah to New York City, Bloomington, Indiana and Brunswick, Maine. Now hundreds are healthy, happy and making more!
Leah Gauthier with daughter, Maple.
WHO IS LEAH?
Leah Gauthier is an intermedia and relational artist by trade, living in Brunswick Maine. Her work explores food: growing, eating, cooking, preserving, scent and memory, food as sculptural material, history of food and agriculture, revival and protection of endangered food plants, urban agriculture, sustainable and transitional growing, food as cultural identity and as an agent of social change. Her love affair with Marshall since 2007 has resulted in the growth and distribution of more than 700 Marshall strawberry plants nationwide. She is sharing the Marshall to make sure this rare and delicious strawberry is available for future generations to enjoy, and help ensure a diverse and healthy food supply for us all. For a fuller understanding of her art and intimate relationship with the Marshall strawberry, go to www.leahgauthier.com or www.marshallstrawberry.com.
Leah’s art: Amish Snap Pea
LEAH & ART
On Saturday, May 7, from 2 – 5 p.m. at the Olga Community Center in Olga, Leah Gauthier, will be leading those who want to take a stab at creating art with food and natural things in a hands-on fun and informative “Natural Materials Assemblage” workshop. Some items will be supplied, and we welcome you to bring inspirational materials to work with and share. In Leah’s own words, “I’m interested in states of potential and change. Instincts, systems, patterns, habits—how we all cope are of endless fascination. I farm and forage, dream up notions and brew potions. I seek to engage all of the senses. Some works must be eaten to be understood.”
Hosted by the Olga Strawberry Council.
Cost: $40 per person – donation to OSC
Call 360-376-3371 or email gomadie @gmail.com to reserve your place at this fun, art/food workshop.
The awesome Marshall
LEAH & MARSHALL
On Monday, May 9, from 2 – 4 p.m. at the Olga Community Center in Olga, Leah will be giving a talk about her history with the revival of the Marshall Strawberry, her love affair with all plants and growing things, and her effort to bring the berry “back from the brink and onto our plates.” Some of our local historians who experienced the Marshall era on Orcas Island will be there also to sprinkle the presentation with local lore and insight.
Hosted by the Olga Strawberry Council.
Cost is just a donation of any size to OSC
Everyone welcome!
See these and all other events associated with the “Strawberry Series” Celebration at www.olgastrawberrycouncil.org/workshops
