Outreach
Research confirms that time spent in Nature has significant emotional and physical outcomes for youth and arts education strengthens students’ ability to problem-solve and think critically, which adds to broader academic achievement and preparation for life in our changing world. LEAP outreach efforts and education programs bring these two powerful elements together. NeoRio education projects and art events offer opportunities for both students and adults to form new connections with the the Natural world and their public lands by experiencing innovative environmental artworks and creating their own artworks investigating natural themes.
“What’s in the Water?”
In May, 2011 LEAP and Wild Earth Studio teamed up with the Wild Rivers Recreation Area staff and the Questa Schools to offer a unique program for Jennifer Vialpando’s Questa Junior High Art class, the outcome of which is the short video called, “What’s in the Water”. Created with puppet-like props, made and operated by students, the video is the result of a week-long, arts-based “study” of local aquatic species. Funded by a small grant from the Public Lands Interpretive Association (PLIA), the project culminated in a field trip to the Wild Rivers Recreation Area, where the students brought their puppets to life in an experimental set on the rim of gorge. The video (below) was premiered at NeoRio 2011 as part of the theme, “Water Mark.”
What’s in the Water? 2011 from John Wenger on Vimeo.
Lynne Hull – NeoRio 2010 Youth Outreach
Engaging youth was an important part of NeoRio 2010. Lynne visited “Roots and Wings”, a local charter school, where she gave an abbreviated version of her artists talk and invited students and their family’s to come to the activities the following weekend. Lynne also led a workshop for University of Colorado Students visiting from Boulder to attend NeoRio, in which she facilitated a group-building of a sculpture for wildlife utilizing a “dead and down” Ponderosa pine tree. She also led an Andy Goldsworthy inspired workshop, in which the UC students were given an alotted time to find natural elements and create small installations on site.
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