About Wells Farm
Wells Farm, located in West Kingston, RI, was built in the early 1700s.
In 2018 the Wells Farm found us. It was the property we had been looking for and the land that has allowed us to turn our vision of creating community and connection into reality.
Wells Farm is a rare piece of preserved land, nearly 32 acres of pastures and woods, streams, rock outcroppings, and stone walls. Bordering Wells Farm is South Kingstown Land Trust property and hundreds of acres of protected land.
In January of 2023 Wells Farm Arts and Education Center, a Rhode Island 501(c)(3) non-profit was established. As a venue, Wells Farm Arts and Education Center offers two studio spaces, Garden Bunk Houses, for one-on-one sessions or additional indoor workshop space. In an expansive open area overlooking pastures, we have the multi-use 26'x16' screened Arcturus Pavilion / Stage, the 36' Native Earth Labyrinth, and the Sacred Stone Gathering Circle.
The main house offers several indoor spaces for multiple small group breakout sessions in addition to the Orion Sanctuary, a classroom or workshop / studio space with its own entrance.
In addition, we have many natural and landscaped areas surrounded by stone walls where you can to meet, create, and explore. There are multiple trails full of wildlife, leading through woods, along streams, and through pastures.
This land and the families that have lived here hold deep roots in the history and culture of South County. It is our commitment to continue to care for and preserve this land while sharing all that it offers with the community.
Our Mission
Inspire and Empower – To provide transformative arts and educational programs, workshops, and trainings that nurture personal growth, leadership, wellness, creativity, and a deep commitment to environmental awareness and stewardship.
Connect and Collaborate – To offer a one-of-a-kind historic venue where established artists, educators, and organizations can share their wisdom, talents, and passion with the community.
Celebrate the Artist in Everyone – To create meaningful events and experiences that honor and uplift the artist, musician, dancer, and writer within us all.
Wells Farm Arts and Education Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization guided by a dedicated Board of Directors committed to preserving the farm’s legacy and advancing its mission.
Our Team
Kristi Otterbach is a certified K-12 teacher, musician, poet and Reiki Master. She has been creating and facilitating interdisciplinary educational programs and intermodal expressive and creative arts workshops for over 40 years. Kristi held a 100-ton US Coast Guard vessel operator's license for 30 years and taught high school (natural resource science, nautical science and sail training, marine technology, and leadership) in New Haven, CT for 25 years. She has a BS in Natural Resources and an AS in Fisheries and Marine Technology from URI. She also graduated from Salve Regina University with an MA in Leadership Dynamics and Practice (Holistic Leadership) and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Expressive and Creative Arts. Kristi shares with her husband, Mark, a deep passion for music, environmental stewardship and creating opportunities for others to connect with nature.
Kristi Otterbach
Executive Director
E-mail Kristi at Kristi@WellsFarmRI.org
Mark Bachand is a licensed arborist, holds a BS in Plant and Soil Science from URI, and has 40 years of experience in the field, including 27 years as owner of Rhode Island Lawn & Tree Company. Mark also has 30 years of experience making high-end wooden flutes. He is owner of New England Wooden Flute Co. and is currently taking orders for these incredible instruments. Mark is a phenomenal percussionist and Irish flute player, has spent 20 years as a member of the Kentish Guards Fife and Drum Corp, he is a founding member of the Wells Farm Band and also a member of the Celtic band, Turas. His time early on, as the Director of the Nature Center at Camp Yawgoog Boy Scout Camp, was the turning point that grounded his passion for being in nature and teaching others about the environment. Mark is deeply connected to the land, the plants and trees, and has a wealth of knowledge to share along with his life-long love for music.
Mark Bachand
Chair, Board of Directors
E-mail Mark at NEWoodenFlute@gmail.com.
