Land Hearts was founded in June 2026 by Courtney Adair Johnson, Marlos E’van, Emmy Carter, and Kevin Lancaster. The collective grew out of years of collaboration exploring the intersections of art, agriculture, reuse, and land-based community building. Together with board members Megan Jordan and Ari Clibanoff, we bring experience across the arts, nonprofit leadership, sustainable agriculture, and community organizing to turn a shared vision into practice.

Courtney Adair Johnson is a Nashville-based reuse artist, curator, grower, and social-practice artist exploring material consumption, waste, accessibility, and community relationships. Formerly Gallery Director at Tennessee State University (2016–2025), she has led projects with Springboard for the Arts, Tennessee Craft, and Mural Arts Philadelphia. Her work has received support from the Mellon Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, and state and local arts agencies.

Marlos E’van is a multidisciplinary artist working across painting, sculpture, performance, film, and repurposed materials. His work has received support from gener8tor, Metro Arts Nashville, and the 37208 Fund, with institutional collaborations and coverage in Hyperallergic, Third Man Books, and Native Magazine. He is currently pursuing an MFA in Studio Art at New York University.

Together, Johnson and E’van founded and directed the McGruder Social Practice Artist Residency (M-SPAR) in North Nashville (2015–2024), supporting community-engaged artists through murals, film, puppetry, performance, workshops, and collaborative projects. This work established a foundation for Land Hearts' approach to artist development, community collaboration, and land stewardship.

Emmy Carter brings nearly 20 years of nonprofit leadership in fundraising, programming, communications, and organizational development across the arts, music, and sustainable agriculture. Her experience includes The Cedar Cultural Center, Big Ears Festival, Georgia Organics, and Mill City Farmers Market. At The Cedar, she managed more than $1 million in annual fundraising, helped secure $1.5 million to expand an international artist residency program, and programmed more than 200 performances annually. At Georgia Organics, she helped launch the inaugural SOWTH, a regional gathering of 1,200+ farmers and agricultural leaders, and doubled historical event revenue for a major annual fundraiser. Her work connects creative programming and community building with the resources, partnerships, and infrastructure needed to sustain them.

Kevin Lancaster brings experience in heavy equipment sales and longstanding relationships across the rural South in agriculture, construction, and land management. His practical knowledge and professional networks support Land Hearts' development of land-based programs, infrastructure, and partnerships beyond the arts sector.

Dr. Megan Jordan is a multidisciplinary artist, sociologist, researcher, and community organizer working at the intersections of art, social justice, environmental change, and collective well-being. An ACLS/Mellon Leading Edge Fellow at the Highlander Research and Education Center, she brings expertise in community-based research, education, and cross-sector collaboration. Her creative work has been presented at COP27 and the National Museum of African American Music.

Ari Clibanoff is an interdisciplinary artist, writer, sound artist, and producer working across performance, film, experimental radio, and community storytelling. A Wesleyan University graduate, he created and hosts The PAUSE, a 60+ episode radio and podcast project exploring art, ecology, culture, and Appalachian life. His work emphasizes deep listening, ecological awareness, collaborative performance, and relationships between people and place.