Inside Sky High Farm's Spring Picnic

Recognizing injustice within food systems across the state, New York artist Dan Colen founded Sky High Farm in 2012. The non-profit farm donates 100% of its produce to food pantries and organizations across the Hudson Valley and New York City, serving as a model with the aim of expanding access to food and promoting food sovereignty. In 2022, Colen co-founded Sky High Farm Universe with Daphne Seybold, a fashion label intended "to propel the farm’s work to the center of the cultural dialogue." Since its inception, the label has produced collections with Dover Street Market Paris and collaborated with retail giants like Balenciaga, Comme des Garçons, Denim Tears, Tata Harper, and Erewhon. A portion of the brand's profits is donated to support the farm's cause, which encompasses philanthropy, capitalism, climate change, social justice, and education.

With host and advisory committees that read like a fashion who's who, including stylist Alastair McKimm, fashion designer Marc Jacobs, model-actress Chloë Sevigny, and actress Tommy Dorfman, it was no surprise when the city's glitterati began to trickle into the sunlit grounds. As attendees settled around the stage, American Ballet Theatre dancer Devon Teauscher set the tone for a series of great performances from DJ Michaël Brun, singers Kelsey Lu and Moses Sumney, and, for the finale, Grammy-winning band The Roots. Volunteers and community members played a crucial role in making the event a success. The proceeds are set to fuel the farm’s future projects, expanding access to fresh, nutritious food across the region. All in all, the picnic was a big success, proving once again that for Sky High Farm, the sky's the limit.