Marla Kristicevich

"There is not a day that goes by that Ecosa is not on my mind or in my heart. I am constantly being reminded with every decision I make how much I've been impacted by my experience. Ecosa is part of the educational revolution that we so desperately need. It gives you the feeling of learning for and with a purpose. Leaving the student with a genuine feeling of accomplishment and connection to their studies.
...As for me, I recently became the ecological design consultant for a local city planning commission...the Freetown/Porto Rico Coterie. A group of people in my part of town who work closely with the city urban planner and planning commission on decisions and developments in our area. I get to see the inner workings of city planning which I'm interested in...so that's good.

I have also found a little time for fun. I have recently been a part of a installation performance where I created "natural sculptures". They are 5 large sculptures erected as part of a dance installation choreographed by my partner Paige Krause. The sculptures were made from found branches within a 20 mile radius of my home and recycled concrete slab wire. They can be constructed and deconstructed with absolutely no waste. Definitely inspired by our Art and Nature class with Roger Assay!!


I've taken art and nature to the classroom as well. I was asked to be part of two Art and Education Grants funded by the National Endowment for the Arts. One project which was inspired by two Cajun folk artists who worked with natural materials to create woven baskets. The students and I designed a giant "nest" inspired by the female folk artist's work and pictures out of "Natural Architecture". Using some of the natural materials the folk artists used, like wood and bamboo, we built a nest large enough to walk through.

I have also started my own business. It's roots are based in ecological design trust me, but it's more of a fun money maker. It's going to be an eco-friendly, off the grid, gourmet French Fry food cart. I'm still in the design phase. I purchased a 1974 Prowler travel trailer, over 30 years old and in need of severe repairs. To make a long story short I leveled it down to the frame and axle and will be rebuilding it from scratch. My goal is to use as much recycled material as possible and have the food trailer powered by solar and the truck that pulls it be powered by the french fry grease.

Thanks to all of you at Ecosa for coming into my life and leaving such a positive impact on me."