Sacramento is center of the compost world next week
As capital of the state with the biggest population, Sacramento certainly hosts its share of conferences. One coming up this next week is right up our garden-and-community-focused alley. Some of the more intriguing associated events are open to the public.
COMPOST 2026, the conference and trade show of the U.S. Compost Council, arrives in Sacramento on Sunday, with events through Thursday, Feb. 5. The 9th National Cultivating Community Composting Forum, presented by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, is held alongside.
But it’s not all brown matter and sifters, gardeners.
A curated art exhibition, “Gathering Ground: A Celebration of Compost Art and Culture,” is being presented by California Alliance for Community Composting. It will feature 75 artists, including: textile art, photography, watercolors, paintings, sculptures, graphic prints, ceramics, videography, and several interactive installation displays, all related to composting in some way.
The exhibit is free and will be open to the public Sunday, Feb. 1, from 2 to 5 p.m. (followed by the Opening Reception, 5-9 p.m.) and again Wednesday from noon to 5 p.m. The venue is the Flower Fist Art Market, 1819 E St., Sacramento.
Compost can inspire art — and humor! Alex Tatarsky’s “Dirt Trip: A Composting Clown Show” will be performed twice nightly, on Tuesday, Feb. 3, and Wednesday, Feb. 4, again at the Flower Fist Market. The show times are 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Tickets are available at www.microbes.farm
“This one is for the weirdos and the avant-garde,” says Matthew Ambersand of South Oak Park’s find out farms, who tipped us off to these events. “I have seen this show and am very excited to watch it again. If you like thought-provoking performance art, this is for you. There are only four performances, so I strongly encourage you to get your ticket in advance.”
Does grown-up humor about composting sounds too silly right now? Ambersand includes in his email a pertinent George Orwell quote: “Every joke is a tiny revolution.”
Ambersand himself notes: “Taking action can look different to different people, and in stressful situations, joy and humor may seem to dismiss the feelings of fear or angst. Please know that I understand that folks have different ways of addressing discomfort, and I also believe that humor and art are two valuable strategies.”
Also, find out farms will be back to its regular hours this Saturday, Jan. 31, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. On Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day, the urban farm will host “Start Seeds with Your Sweetie,” from 4 to 7 p.m.
“You can purchase a sturdy re-usable 6-cell seed tray filled with high-quality soil, and we will help you to select the right seeds for your growing conditions and tomato desires!” Ambersand says. “Grab a beverage or a special tomato-inspired treat from the Pintworks kitchen. All ages are welcome, and no purchases are necessary to come and hang out and ask questions.”
The website for find out farms is findoutfarms.com and the physical address is 4712 Parker Ave., Sacramento.
