High school eco conceptual art

I gave a challenging conceptual project to the Mascoma Valley Regional High School Portfolio class. I asked them to come up with an environmental issue that touches the local area, that we would use as a base for a collaborative artwork. I was so pleased that they came up with an idea very quickly- the problem of road salt. Here in New Hampshire, we had an especially long winter, with record breaking snowfall, lasting from before Thanksgiving until April. So road salt was an apt concept.
As the group developed their concept idea, they decided that they would construct a huge salt shaker that people could walk into, and fill it with facts about road salt. They researched their facts, and worked together to design and construct their salt shaker. The finished work was installed for the local art/environment festival day.

High School Trailworks

The Art 2 class at Mascoma Valley Regional High School took on the project of creating artworks outside, using found natural materials. The group decided to build on an existing nature trail. They divided into teams, found specific sites, and began discussions, finding materials, and construction. The results were terrific.

High School revisioning

The drawing class at Mascoma Valley Regional High School was a great group! I gave them a challenging project: they were asked to find a site outside, around the school that appeared abandoned, damaged, or just ugly. They drew the site, mapped it, and measured it, and we took digital photos of the sites. The students then imagined and drew ideas for improving the sites. their work was creative and very possible. One team planned a vegetable/flower garden, and have already identified donations to implement their plan. Another student planned a simple and small garden integrating an ugly pipe into the design. Another team imagined a greenhouse teaching/growing space where students could enjoy growth year round.

High School Residency

In April, I spent a full week with Mascoma Valley Regional High School art students. It was a busy week. I had each of six classes work on different projects, tackling different aspects of eco art.
The three Art 1 classes worked on observing, drawing, and building with natural materials.