Brad Kik installing the Rooting Deep, Branching Out exhibition at the Jordan River Arts Council. Photo by Amanda Kik

Frequently Asked Questions (and the answers)

Our Mission

Crosshatch Center for Art & Ecology builds strong communities through the intersections of art, farming, ecology and economy.

Our VISION

Crosshatch envisions communities that are grounded in place: where people connect through stories, music, art, shared work, and food, and where the economy and culture are rooted in restoration of the earth and its people.

HOW LONG HAS CROSSHATCH BEEN AROUND?

Crosshatch started as The Institute of Sustainable Living, Art & Natural Design back in 2005. You could call us a tween.

Why did you change your name from ISLAND?

The short answer is that we outgrew the name ISLAND. It was wonderful while it lasted, but it was time we marked a change in our organization's history. We still have the same mission, vision, and values as we always have, but we're changing too - we're growing up and focusing on the future. Read more about our name change here. 

What is crosshatch?

Crosshatch Center for Art & Ecology is a nonprofit organization focused on making our region stronger and more self-sustainable. 

But, like, What does crosshatch do?

Short answer: A lot. 

Long answer: Crosshatch provides resources for our community to become stronger, more self-reliant, and more native to place. 

We organize workshops, courses, and conferences that teach our neighbors how to do things like: become a beekeeper, care for goats, build a brick oven, graft fruit trees, manage soil effectively, preserve food, and more. Whether you are new to do-it-yourself projects or you are already a professional, Crosshatch has resources for you. 

We also manage guilds: informal, but powerful peer groups that dive deeper into a specific topic. Current guilds exist for small farmers, beekeepers, orchardists, mushroom cultivators, fiber folks, grain growers, and green builders.   

The Chicken Coupe and the Preservation Station are two mobile resources we provide to the community. The Chicken Coupe is a licensed poultry processing trailer that small farms can use as they transition into raising chickens for profit. The Preservation Station is a canning kitchen on wheels that provides space and tools for preserving local food at its peak flavor. 

Crosshatch also partners with other really cool organizations and programs that we believe in, like Edible Trails and On Stage 4 Kids.

And, of course, the Hill House Residency. 

What kind of events does crosshatch put on?

  • Day-long or multi-day workshops

  • Shorter courses

  • Meet-ups for discussion

  • Parties and potlucks

  • Conferences

  • Shared work days

Can I visit?

Crosshatch is based out of Bellaire, Michigan, but doesn't have an office. However, you can visit our property that we're developing, or we can meet up for a coffee at Moka or a beer at Short's. Just give us a call or shoot us an email and we'll set up a time. 

Can I Volunteer?

Absolutely! Check out our volunteer page for more information on how to get involved. 

What's next for Crosshatch?

Hatchquarters is next. This is the part where Crosshatch gets a home base. Brad and Amanda Kik have purchased 52 acres of land in Bellaire, Michigan that they will pass on to Crosshatch to use as the home of the artist residency and ecological farm. We can't wait.