Harvest of Hope brings artists, farmers, community together to support local veterans

Local artists, farmers, growers and community members will come together Saturday, Sept. 5, for Harvest of Hope, a free community event celebrating art, agriculture and the healing power of connection while honoring local veterans. Harvest of Hope, sponsored by the Auburn Arts Commission, will take place from 2–5 p.m. at the Armed Forces Pavilion & Community Garden, 995 Lincoln Way in Downtown Auburn. A growing number of farms, growers and vendors from the Auburn Farmers Market have committed to donating fresh produce, flowers and other locally grown goods for the event. Tables throughout the garden will be filled with these donations, and veterans are especially encouraged to attend and select fresh produce and flowers at no charge. The public is also invited to participate in a "Name Your Price" community market, with donations benefiting scholarships for veterans to attend the 2027 Art Retreat at the Flower Farm, a three-day immersive art experience designed to promote healing, connection and wellness through creativity and nature. Art will be another centerpiece of the afternoon. Participating artists will be scattered throughout the Armed Forces Pavilion & Community Garden creating artwork inspired by the fresh flowers, fruits, vegetables and garden surroundings. Visitors can watch the creative process, meet the artists and experience art being made in an informal outdoor setting. In addition, participating artists are donating original works of art for a free drawing for event attendees, giving guests an opportunity to take home a piece of original local artwork. "Harvest of Hope is really about sharing what our community has with one another," said event organizer Mary Pivetti. "Our farmers are sharing what they grow, our artists are sharing what they create, and together we can offer veterans an afternoon of beauty, connection and appreciation. We especially want veterans to know that they are invited to come, enjoy the garden and take home fresh produce, flowers and art." Participating artists include Tiffany Waugh, Diane Tharp, Sheri Hoeger, Mary Pivetti, Robin Rice, Jen Norpchen, Don Scott and Michael Hafferty. The event is designed to be welcoming and accessible to the entire community. There is no admission charge, and visitors are encouraged to stop by throughout the afternoon to meet the artists, enjoy the garden, select locally donated produce and flowers, and support veteran art scholarships. Harvest of Hope reflects a simple idea: Art Heals. Community Grows. Veterans Thrive.