Dan Colen, a blue-chip artist represented by Gagosian, has founded Sky High Farm, a philanthropic venture based in upstate New York that donates all of its food to local pantries. Twenty years ago, Mr. Colen was part of a group known as Warhol’s Children, characterized by their wild lifestyle. However, he has since become the chief creative officer of Sky High Farm Universe, which sells merchandise that can be found on many in the fashion world. The logo for Sky High Farm Universe features a girlish strawberry on a boyish crescent moon, which is seen across a range of clothing items.
Sky High Farm is located on a 40-acre property in the Hudson Valley and focuses on promoting food sovereignty through locally grown produce. Mr. Colen saw the farm as a way to connect with nature, as well as an opportunity to create art. Sky High Farm Universe operates as a traditional for-profit company, with a portion of profits being donated back to the farm. The brand has seen significant success, with collaborations with fashion and art world figures and availability at various retail locations.
While Sky High Farm Universe has seen commercial success, its primary mission remains providing food access to those in need. In 2023, they donated a significant amount of produce and protein to local food pantries. Sky High’s work supports hyperlocal partners and helps address food scarcity in the region. The pandemic emphasized the urgency of food insecurity, prompting the farm to expand its operations, staff, and fundraising efforts.
Moving forward, Sky High Farm is in the process of relocating to a larger 560-acre property nearby. Plans for the new space include expanding vegetable production, pasture lands, and a farm business incubator, with a focus on climate-related research and regenerative farming practices. Education is also a key focus for Sky High, with collaborations planned with universities that have strong agricultural programs. The farm also runs a grant program that supports small regenerative farms, particularly those owned by marginalized groups.
Dan Colen sees the farm as one of his sculptures and has approached its development using his artistic mindset. He envisions the farm as a tool for addressing the issue of food deserts and promoting food sovereignty. His vision for Sky High Farm Universe is not only to create a successful brand but also to make a positive impact on food access and sustainability. Through a combination of art, fashion, and philanthropy, Sky High Farm has carved out a unique space in the fashion industry, drawing attention to important issues while creating a successful business model.
