We call her "Pacha Mama" - Spanish for "Mother Earth." Her real name is "Storyteller." I fashioned her several years ago from papier mache after traveling to Arizona and being inspired by the countless Pueblo storytelling icons I came across there - figurines comprised of an elder surrounded by children listening to the elder's story.

"Pacha Mama" is Cuvilly Arts & Earth Center's symbolic elder. On lovely, sun-drenched days, she sits at the end of our drive, welcoming students and visitors to Cuvilly Arts & Earth Center. At other times, she occupies a place of privilege in our art studio. Wherever she is positioned, we are mindful of the centuries-old story she is telling: As human beings, we live as an integral part of the earth, embedded in God's great and extravagant creation.

"Pacha Mama's" story is our story, the story that serves as the foundation for Cuvilly Arts & Earth Center's mission. Through our adult and older children programs and unique pre-school curriculum of artistry, adventuring and activities, Cuvilly Arts & Earth Center staff members encourage all our students and program participants to listen to the earth and find creative ways to live in harmony with the natural world.

Whether you are able to come visit us at our headquarters in Ipswich, Mass., or not, I invite you to use our web site to discover ways you may live more intentionally and harmoniously with the earth. It is my hope that our shared ideas for sustainable living, cooperative gardening, alternative energy development and environmental/outdoor education will enhance more than just Cuvilly's immediate community.