Saturday March 5th, 3 pm/Oak Park Public Library/ Tickets

After the film, join us for a panel discussion about art, architecture, and environment. Panelists include: Nate Kipnis, FAIA, LEED BD+C, Founder & Principal, Kipnis Architecture & Planning; Wendy Ritchey, Art Therapist, Art Instructor, Artist at Helbing Studio, specializes in the use of reclaimed materials; Mike Helbing, Sculptor at Helbing Studio, specializes in the use of reclaimed materials. Facilitator: Gina Lee Robbins, Marketing Strategist, Teaching Artist, Writer, Editor.

*ARRIVE EARLY to check out the related "Ideabox" exhibit, inside the library's main entrance, featuring an interactive art exhibit -- "Message in a Bottle" -- made by local artist Bryan Northup -- as well as sculptures by artists Margot McMahon and Karen Gubitz. All artists work in found, reclaimed, and recycled materials.

Oliver Hodge/ 2007/ 87 min/ Architecture & Building

FILM DESCRIPTION: Garbage Warrior features the epic story of radical Earthship eco-architect, Michael Reynolds, and his fight to build off the grid, self-sufficient communities.

Sunday March 6th 12:30 pm/ Ascension Catholic Church / Tickets

A light lunch will be served at noon, immediately prior to the films. Three short films (Bomb Trains on the Hudson, Backyard, and The Sustainable) will be woven together with quotes from the recent Papal Encyclical, Laudato Si, which urges a sense of integral ecology and care for our common home and common family. Post-film opportunities include a panel of experts in trains that carry hazardous materials, fracking in Illinois and updates on the solar energy field. There will be time for Q&A and opportunities to take concrete action on various issues, including local environmental issues in Cicero and information on socially responsible investing (Joe O'Krepky with Edward Jones). Facilitator: Gina Orlando, DePaul Faculty; Wellness Coach, Consultant, Hypnotherapist at Healthy is Wealthy.

Panelists include:Alexis Aurigemma, Co-producer of the film "The Sustainable" Lisa Albrecht, Board member of ISEA (Illinois Solar Energy Association) Stacey Durley Hess, Environmental consultant for environmental investigations and remediation in the Midwest. Dawn Dannenbring, Environmental organizer for Illinois Peoples Action

Justin Cerone/ 2015/ 22 min/ Architecture & Building

FILM DESCRIPTION: The Sustainable is a documentary about a couple in Upstate New York and their decision to design and build their home to produce its own electricity. Watch the trailer to see their home's amazing transformation and how this project changed their lives.