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GROWHOUSE
Growhouse Urban Agriculture Center "GUAC"
2008 - 2021
The Growhouse Urban Agriculture Center in Phoenix, Arizona, was a vibrant community space that mixed urban farming with cooperative retail in the lively Roosevelt Row Arts District. Picture this: a place where you could nurture tomatoes and your wardrobe all in one visit. The center boasted community garden plots, a chicken coop, composting areas, an aquaponics system, and a bee hive—essentially a small farm amidst the city buzz.
Growhouse's mission was to educate locals on sustainable urban agriculture while providing a green escape in the urban jungle. The attached GROWop Boutique offered stylish vintage clothing and locally crafted items, making it a one-stop shop for green thumbs and fashionistas alike. It was a unique spot where growing food and fashion sense went hand in hand, proving that sustainability can be as trendy as it is essential.
CULTIVEAT
Farm-To-Table Community Dinner
2014 - 2021
Cultiveat was a cherished farm-to-table event held annually for six years in the Roosevelt Row Arts District in Phoenix, Arizona. This event featured communal dining experiences with locally sourced food, live music, art installations, and cooking demonstrations, creating a vibrant atmosphere that celebrated local culinary talent and artistic expression. Guests included residents, business owners, local govt leaders, and community builders, all coming together to connect with local agriculture and promote sustainable food practices. The event aimed to foster community engagement and support local farmers, artisans, and chefs, solidifying its place as a highlight of the district's cultural calendar.
Growhouse Urban Agriculture Center (GUAC) proudly hosted the 6th Annual and final CultivEAT community dinner in 2021, presented by the Phoenix Biomedical Campus. The event supported community projects that strengthen Phoenix's local food system, the Phoenix Food Co-op and the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix's Culinary Medicine program. The event featured a curated four-course meal promoting a healthy immune system, led by culinary curator Wayne Coats and Dr. Farshad Fani Marvasti (Dr. Shad). Guests enjoyed drinks by Buena Vida Bodega, live music, and insightful talks about healthy eating from Dr. Shad, leaving with valuable knowledge and connections with key community leaders. The 2021 chef team included Celeste "Elle" Caraway Murtagh (The Coronado), John Cornelio (Toduken), Jose Jimenez (Little Miss BBQ), and Shane Jackson, who collaborated with Dr. Shad to create the menu using ingredients from local farms like Crooked Sky Farms, True Garden, TJ Farms, Southwest Mushrooms, Green on Purpose, Pedal Haus Brewery, Arizona Stronghold, and Provisioner Wines.
CHILE PEPPER FEST
Fundraiser Festival benefiting Roosevelt Row CDC & GUAC
2012 - 2017
The Chile Pepper Festival was a beloved annual event that celebrated the fiery flavors of the Southwest for six years in the heart of Downtown Phoenix's Roosevelt Row Arts District. This festival featured an array of chile-themed dishes prepared by over 25 local restaurateurs, accompanied by live music, salsa dancing lessons, and Navajo cooking demonstrations. Attendees, including residents, business owners, local leaders, and food enthusiasts, participated in the Chile Pepper Challenge and enjoyed a vibrant mix of mariachis, talent shows, art installations, and kid-friendly activities. The event supported the Roosevelt Growhouse Community Garden, promoting urban agriculture, sustainability, and community engagement, as well as the Roosevelt Row Community Development Corporation, fostering the arts and cultural development, promoting community engagement, and supporting small businesses in the Roosevelt Row Arts District of Downtown Phoenix. Each year, the festival celebrated the rich culinary & artistic traditions of the region, fostering a sense of community and cultural appreciation.
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