03/03/2024
Amelia LaMair grew up in the Ozarks – and spent a school year in Italy – before going to college and realizing that community building and sustainable agriculture were two passions she wanted to live on greater levels.
That decision took her to rural Ozark County, where she and partner Eric Tumminia own Flotsam Farm.
Located near Hodgson Mill, Flotsam Farm is a magnet for community in the very rural area.
Amelia and Eric host the Sycamore Salon, a weekly potluck gathering that focuses each week on a different topic of learning; organize multiple music festivals at the farm each year; lead Flotsam Farm Records; and offer other classes and events – all of which are low- or no-cost, to make it easy for people to participate.
Additionally, Amelia is a musician (she and Eric are behind the band Creek Stink), and lives farming on a daily basis through Flotsam’s animals and crops.
I spent time with Amelia for a story I’m writing about her work as a farmer, artist and community builder. It’s part of a series of stories I’m doing in connection with the Smithsonian Folklife Festival to recognize women folk practitioners the Ozarks. Story coming soon…