We Are What We Need is a community-based artist project envisioned and produced by herbalist Peregrine Bermas, in response to the We Will Chicago pillar of Public Health & Safety.
Activating the #BreathingRoom Space Apothecary, Gardens & Farm in collaboration with local wisdom teachers on topics of traditional ecological knowledge and food sovereignty, We Are What We Need is a wave in the movements to fortify the wellness and protection of our communities by amplifying our gifts across intersections of arts, medicine and earth stewardship.
Building Soil & Community
Knowledge share by Valentine Espinoza of Chicago Safe Soils; Ericka Ixtlixòchitl; Victor and Veronica of ViVe Sustainably; Frausto and family
Resource zine designed and illustrated by Izze Ortiz
Photography by Bee Rodriguez
Herbs & Mental Health for Teens
Knowledge share by Ixpahuatzin Clarissa Gonzalez of Blood Moon Healing
Resource zine designed and illustrated by Danbee Kim
Photography by Valentine Espinoza
Intro to Fermentation
Knowledge share by Jenny and Alex of Sidekick Ferments (formerly @thefermchicago)
Resource zine designed and illustrated by Danbee Kim
Photography by Bee Rodriguez
Foraging & Plant Medicine
Knowledge share facilitated by Jah Brown of Brown People Foundation
Resource zine designed and illustrated by Danbee Kim
Photography by Valentine Espinoza
We Are What We Need: Emergence
Written and designed by Peregrine Bermas
Designed and illustrated by Lucianne “Lulu” Walkowicz
Photos, left, by kyung lee
Partners & Funders:
And big hugs and overflowing gratitude to Marlon Bermas, Persephone Van Ort, Selin Oh, kyung lee, Jeff Jones, aiko hamamoto, solx carrasco, Yaritza Guillen, Amanda Carlson, Gaby Garay, Katelyn Patton, Kwamena Jackson, Melanie Carter and Sunflower Soule Farm, Jennifer Pagán, Alexy Irving, Fresh and Fresher Together, Xiomara Rodriguez, Catatumbo Cooperative Farm, Liz Jansen, Jessica Kaneakua, sid, Vee, Alejandro Gallardo and many more volunteers and folks who uplifted our events with their words and presence.