Seeding on Earth Day!

This year, LEAP is joining in the nationwide 50th anniversary celebration of the Wilderness Act with the theme “Thinking Wilderness” – including an online residency program and year-long series of local events.

“Thinking Wilderness” kicks-off on Earth Day with the “Seeds: Time Capsules of Wilderness” youth art show at OCHO, exploring the wild world of seeds as seen through young eyes. The show features works by over 270 students, preschool through sixth grade, from Questa Alta Vista Elementary, Rio Costilla Southwest Learning Academy, and Arroyos del Norte Elementary schools. The exhibition is the result of in-class workshops that we led in collaboration with SEED. (We are excited about this blossoming collaboration!)

“I don’t think kids tend to see seeds as a vital part of our lives and here they got to touch them and see them up close and I think that was really helpful for them,” says Mariquita Rael, Questa Alta Vista Elementary School Teacher, about the recent program in her classroom.

Before beginning their artworks, students examined seeds under microscopes, smelled seeds they might find in their kitchens, and examined unusual and exotic seeds with their fingers. Next students brought this hands-on experience into a variety of art assignments from pastel scroll drawings, to clay sculpture and books.

The kid-friendly opening reception is scheduled for 5-7 pm on Earth Day, Tuesday, April 22nd at OCHO Event & Art Space (just east of the stoplight, across from the Questa Visitor Center) and will be on display there through May 4; then a selection of works will move to Questa Public Library May 5 – May 22.

Earth Day also marks LEAP’s announcement of its “Wilderness Thinkers in Residence Project,” a year-long, online residency series featuring diverse voices and creative works reflecting on Wilderness. More on that soon! In the meantime, check out the project website at: www.thinkingwilderness.org