Nance Klehm is a steward of the Earth. She works as an ecologist, farmer, teacher, writer, collaborator, and designer of landscapes.

Nance’s home life reflects her ideas and work. She grows and forages for much of her own food in the densely urban area in which she lives. The place that she lives and works much of the year is a site for composting, ecological research, and small-scale urban farming — as well as her house. Her life and work are intrinsically linked.

DESIGN, LANDSCAPE, LAND

Nance designed and currently manages a greenhouse and large scale, closed-loop vermicompost and farming project within a major Chicago facility and shelter for the homeless. She works with residents of the shelter on turning the food waste (hundreds of pounds per week) into four tons of worm castings per year. The castings are used as the soil that grows food to return to the cafeteria.

As an ecological landscaper Nance has designed, installed and maintained backyards, rooftops, decks, and public spaces for the past fifteen years.

As a radical ecologist she works on large soil building systems as well as systems of collection, recirculation, and biofiltration of water.

ART, WRITING, TEACHING

Nance’s solo and collaborative art work focuses on creating participatory social ecologies in response to a direct experience of a place. She has collaborated with many fellow artists and groups, including Temporary Services, Simparch and Learning Group. Nance’s art and ideas have been exhibited in the United States, Canada, Denmark, Sweden, and Puerto Rico.

Nance’s writing has been published in literary journals and popular magazines. Her column, “Weedeater”, appears in ARTHUR magazine. Nance has taught at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, UCLA, and the Dartington College of Arts (UK). She continually lectures and workshops with a broad variety of students at colleges, museums, and community groups.