About 601 Tully

Check out our new website! 601Tully.syr.edu

601 Tully is a center for engaged practice in Syracuse, NY developed by artist and professor Marion Wilson with a rotating collaborative team of 54 students and neighbors and Anda French of French 2Design. It's a site for meaningful exchange between artists, community members, and scholars in the co-production of culture.

601 Tully includes a contemporary art space, a public events space, a bookstore, a teaching garden, and Recess Cafe West.

In 2009, Wilson purchased the condemned two-story home and local drug hub, and throughout five semesters, Wilson's design/build class re-zoned, designed, renovated and now sustains the physical and programmatic aspects of 601 Tully. The collaborative team has consisted of artists, architects, environmentalists, Fowler High School students, Green Train Workforce, neighbors, and the occasional passerby.

601 Tully is made possible by the generous support of the Syracuse University School of Education, The Kauffman Foundation, The Near West Side Initiative, Imagining America, Home HeadQuarters Inc., Say Yes to Education, and National Grid.

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Friday, November 6, 2009

Teachers from Blodgett give feedback on lot

Jermaine Soto, site coordinator at Blodgett school, asked teachers and administrators what they thought about incorporating the lot at 601 Tully with their curricula. His initial efforts elicited some pretty positive feedback, much of it corresponding directly to discussions we've had!
(Contact information for responders forthcoming.)

- Social Studies
a) NYS Standard - Economics - farming, cost of raising crops (vegetables, fruits, flowers etc) and profit - how much can they sell. - developing a farm stand.
b) Science - ecology /environmental science/biology.

- It’s possible, with proper planning, I could have [601 Tully] be part of a social studies class. I could bring my classes to help with the design and maintenance of the garden, [with] weeding and tilling.

- I love the idea of having the students involved in gardening. It's healthy on so many levels. I've often thought that we have a unique gardening opportunity in our internal patios (in addition to the 601 site) but have never been able to pursue it. I would hope they could be utilized, perhaps renovation could address options.

- I am not a classroom teacher but I see lots of applications. The science curricula at most grade levels includes plants. You could tie in with math; graphing the growth [cycles of plants], plotting out where to place the plants, measuring out distances... Students could [also] write about the experience, [as] steps in a process.

- Years ago Cicero Elementary started a garden and the whole school was involved...someone may want to contact them to find some ideas that worked well.

- I think that's a terrific idea that would have many benefits for the community, especially the students. If the staff knows about this ahead of time, it allows for including it in the curriculum all year long. For example, science and math can be taught using the garden as a "tool" (couldn't resist the pun-sorry!) I'm sure there is a lot of info online about other community gardens to help in the planning. As an ESL teacher, I welcome any educational endeavors that are hands-on, and it is more meaningful for all students, too.
Probably the main concern would be vandalism of the garden,
but I think other similar projects would have suggestions for this. I also think there are a number of groups to pull volunteers from, such as garden clubs, retired seniors, etc, whose members would really enjoy helping children make a connection with nature. In fact, the National Wildlife Federation (I'm a member) offers guidance on bringing children closer to the natural world.

- When I read this I automatically thought about the fruit stand that was at the State Fair this year. High school students volunteered their time to sell fruit at the fair and also at the Syracuse Farmer's market. The market now accepts food stamps. I have 2 ideas.
1. When the garden is plentiful, possibly selling the fruit/veggies to the community and/or
2. Having students and/or the community volunteer their time to till the garden for 2 hours a week and in return they can take a small bag of veggies home with them.

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