We’re pleased to announce the release of an original book on the iBookstore called Community Wind. Created with a collaboration of Wind Resource and The Superior Watershed Partnership, this new interactive book gives background on what a “community” wind project is, how one is built, and ways to engage in your own community. The book also offers interactive charts, graphs, video and high definition photography throughout. Please give it a look, and if you have an iPad, let us know what you think!
Gratiot Wind is currently under construction in central Michigan, and stands to be the largest wind power project in the state. Here is a brief article about the project by Midwest Energy News.
Back in March, we profiled the impending arrival of Michigan’s largest wind farm, in Gratiot County. While the standard narrative is that wind farms are controversial and hotly opposed by residents, Gratiot County was welcoming, even enthusiastic, about the project and the revenue it would bring.
Here’s what Dan Rossman of the local extension office had to say at the time:
“Even in the beginning we did not experience serious opposition. People had the typical questions and when their questions were answered, their fears just evaporated,” he said. “They were very open-minded.”
“No one has called my office to complain,” Rossman said. “There are people who chose not to have a turbine on their farm, but they did it because they didn’t need the financial help or didn’t want to lose acreage or deal with the construction or have their view changed.”
The wind farm is now well on its way to becoming reality. This video, made by Portland, Oregon filmmaker (and Michigan native) Ben VanderVeen, shows some photos of the project and gets some reaction from local officials.
Well, ArtPrize is still ongoing, and we wanted to make sure you got a good look of how our entry came about. Lots of planning, lots of contribution, lots of fun!
Here is an essay by Rich VanderVeen, talking about his ArtPrize entry, and the meaning behind it. Lots of information on the installation of Win, Win Wind! background info on wind energy, and the need to embrace our natural resources!
Coming in 2012, this children’s book by Michigan natives is created in the spirit of this ArtPrize piece, Win, Win Wind! – encouraging the harnessing of the wind to protect our planet, transform our economy, and work towards energy independence.
When you’re face-to-face with the 32 foot high-tech wind blade, the first question you’re stuck with is where did this come from?
Win, Win Wind! is thrilled to have purchased a wind blade from Northern Power, manufactured right here in Michigan. The Northern Power 100 is a community wind turbine for businesses, schools & farms. The blade used in Win, Win Wind! shows the technologically-advanced shape of a direct-drive, permanent magnet wind turbine.
After many hours of planning and painting, the wind turbine blade is complete. We’re really proud of all the effort that went into the project, and think it came out beautifully! Here’s a sneak peek of the finished painted blade.
Lots of work ongoing for the Win, Win Wind! ArtPrize project! Rich VanderVeen and artist Glenn Wolff among others are collaborating on designing the interactive exhibit, creating sketches, plans and ideas. Here are just a few concept sketches of the upcoming installation!
Stay tuned for more updates on the quickly evolving installation, and thanks for visiting WinWinWind.org!
