“To realize wonderful things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe”                             
                                                                                        Anatole France

                                                  

WHO
WE ARE

 

 

 

OPA was created in 2004 by multicultural artists, educators and permaculture designers who believe that through the arts and permacreation – creation according to permaculture philosophy - the ability to open one’s mind to new possibilities is greatly improved, generating innovative ideas, solutions and positive results towards sustainable development and a better quality of life.

Isabela Coelho is an educator and performing artist; graduate in International Affairs from the University of Colorado. She has worked in many arts and social projects with youth and adults in Brazil, Nicaragua and the USA.
She works with Wise Fool NM, an activist theater company with whom she has performed many original pieces. After attending a Permaculture course, Isabela began combining her professional work in education and arts with Permaculture. She is co-founder and co-director of OPA.

Leslhiê Medeiros da Silva graduated from the Bill Mollison School of Sustainabiliby as an agent in sustainability and agricultural technician. She worked at IPA – Institute of Permaculture in the Amazon for three years with education and creation of organic gardens with women and children in the outskirts of Manaus, and Permaculture training for students of the Escola Agrícola Federal de Manaus. She has been working with OPA since May, 2005.
 

Yarrow Schley is a permaculture designer, instructor and licensed massage therapist. Since 1996 he has worked with PAL - Permacultura America Latina throughout South America and has also worked with environmental education and arts programs for children in the USA and Brazil. He guides
educational trips throughout Brazil. Yarrow has been developing the design for an urban permaculture center in Salvador. He is co-director and co-founder of OPA.


Amanda Greene worked as “Circo Agua Viva” assistant director in 2004 e 2005. A co-founding member of OPA, she has given her photography and graphic arts to the cause.