Art and the Environment: Contemporary Art, Nature, and Activism

This 8-week course for teens provides an in-depth look at the ways visual artists and activists have engaged with the natural environment over the past 60 years, from making art outdoors and using natural materials to addressing environmental issues affecting our world today. This course is for art enthusiasts, environmentalists, and anyone interested in how art connects in meaningful ways to the world around us!

Starting with the Land Art/Earthworks movement of the 1960s, we will explore and discuss the works of artists who chose to bring their art to the outdoors, outside of the walls of galleries and museums. In our second and third classes, we will learn about nature-based works that invite participation from viewers, as well as artworks that are ephemeral and temporary. In our fourth class, we'll explore "pro-environmental" projects that combine art with science, technology, and community organizing. In our fifth class, we'll take a look at artists who call attention to issues regarding the political use of land and borders as well as its effects on populations worldwide. Our last three classes will focus on how artists currently address environmental concerns such as pollution and climate change in their work, as well as the role of art institutions (such as museums, galleries, and art festivals) in moving these conversations forward. 

Here is an outline of the classes included in this course:
Class 1 - The Land Art Movement
Class 2 - Alternative "Monuments": Engagement and Interaction
Class 3 - Elevating Nature and Exploring Ephemerality and Identity
Class 4 - Pro-Environmental Art 
Class 5 - The Politics of Land
Class 6 - Fragile Environments
Class 7 - Addressing Climate Change
Class 8 - Art, Environment, and Institutions

This course includes information on a wide range of exciting artworks and media, including sculptures, monuments, installations, performances, and photography. Students will not need to be familiar with these types of art, but it will be very helpful to have an open mind as we explore and analyze unique artworks together!

Each class will be structured by a teacher-led lecture/discussion that includes images, videos, and statements from the artists, as well as plenty of opportunities to engage in critical thinking and analysis of artworks. 

There is no required homework to be done between classes, but students have the option of commenting on the classroom page to answer critical thinking questions about the extra videos they receive after each session. They may also complete creative activities between sessions using prompts based on the themes and artists we've discussed in each class.