Author: James Edward Mills

#ORSummer, Diversity, Environmental Justice, National Parks, Outdoor Retailer, Podcast, Special Events, Summer, Yosemite / 10.08.2011

For those of us who spend a great deal of time outdoors it’s hard to believe that there are many of those who don’t. Especially when it comes to our national parks there is an entire segment of the United States population, natural born citizens who seldom if ever visit. This is particularly true among people of color. African-Americans, Hispanics and other ethnic minorities spend far less time in nature than their white counterparts. And in a shifting demographic where minorities will soon become the majority there’s rising concern throughout the conservation movement that one day in the not so distant future most U.S. citizens will have no personal relationship with or affinity for the natural world. This concern is expressed most eloquently by National Park Ranger Shelton Johnson. The only permanent African-American ranger at Yosemite National Park his mission is to share with audiences, black and white, lessons of stewardship that illustrate the bond with nature that is every U.S. citizen’s birth rite. An interpretive ranger that tells the story of the Buffalo Soldiers, African-American cavalrymen who projected Yosemite at the turn of last century, Johnson puts into context the importance of wilderness not merely as a point of national pride but an intrinsic value of what it mean to be human.
#ORSummer, Fashion / 09.08.2011

Spurred by first-time prize package including a design contract and cash prizes, San Francisco State University student designer Amy Dorie won Project OR Cycle 7 at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2011 with a woman's outfit, inspired by the outdoors and the Aventura brand.

 

Designed and constructed during the intense 48-hour concept-to-prototype student design competition, Dorie's prototype garments earned her a $5,000 Aventura design contract for the Spring 2013 line, a $2,500 donation to San Francisco State University design school's student outplacement program, a profile in Textile Insight and an all-expense paid trip to Winter Market 2012.

 

"I feel so fortunate to have been a part of Project OR," said Amy Dorie, winner of Project OR Cycle 7. "Preparing for the competition, collaborating with the judges and designers onsite, and now meeting so many people in the industry has been invaluable."

#ORSummer, Adventure Activism, Adventure Media Review, Art, Examiner.com, Outdoor Retailer, Special Events, Summer / 08.08.2011

With a record number of attendees and exhibitors there are several things you likely missed at this year’s Outdoor Retailer Summer Market. Among them are several unique expressions of art collected and curated by the creative connector Devaki Murch. Apart from all the cool equipment clothing and footwear on display in Salt Lake City over the weekend there was an exquisite array of original creations available for viewing and purchase. In an installation of the adventure inspired works of industry artists from across the country, show attendees were treated to a rare exhibit of paintings and sculptures that reflect the passion and vision that make the business of outdoor recreation possible.
#ORSummer, Breaking News, Music, Outdoor Retailer, Special Events, Summer / 07.08.2011

Considering how late I went to bed last night, I’m up pretty early this morning. I wanted to make sure these photographs we’re sorted, edited and uploaded for you to enjoy. The Outdoor Industry All-Star Jam went off last night to a roaring crowd watching friends and colleagues strumming, drumming and singing their hearts out. With a day left to go at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market this twice-annual event is my personal favorite of all the goings-on in Salt Lake City. As seven amateur bands take the stage our gathering of outdoor professionals and enthusiasts elevates to a fever pitch that is the ultimate celebration of the joyful active lifestyle we all share.

#ORSummer, Adventure Activism, Environmental Justice, Outdoor Recreation, Outdoor Retailer, Summer / 01.08.2011

[caption id="attachment_5626" align="aligncenter" width="491" caption="portraits by Charlotta Janssen www.charlottajanssen.com"][/caption] In recent days environmental activist Tim DeChristopher began serving a two-year sentence in federal prison. Back in March the Utah economics student was convicted on two felony charges: making a false statement and violating laws on oil and gas leasing. He was also fined $10,000. Having disrupted a controversial auction to sell off the mining rights to public lands near two National Parks, DeChristopher committed in his words an act of civil disobedience in the hopes of doing good on behalf of the environment and future generations on this fragile planet.