Arts, Culture, and Ecology

While art is clearly influenced by culture, it can also be influenced by place. This program explores examples of place-based arts, especially those  associated with environments and plants. Guided by cultural ecology, students explore Pacific Northwest ecosystems, Northwest Coast Indigenous arts, and an aspect of one's own heritage. We think carefully about relationships between place-based arts and the places with which they are associated, and we develop skills to powerfully communicate our understandings through combining word and image.

A nature journaling practice helps us to develop skills in word-image communication and to create a final “poster” project that advocates for an issue that (1) we personally care deeply about, (2) relates to sustainability and justice, and (3) connects to a place and theme we have explored. Additionally, to support this work, we explore elements and principles of visual art.

Learning activities include lectures, workshops, seminars, readings, writing, research, nature journaling, and explorations in visual art.

Since we meet using a hybrid model with both on-line and in-person sessions that take place on Saturdays in the Longhouse Ethnobotanical Garden, successful participation in the program requires a computer with reliable internet for accessing Zoom and Canvas. Students also need nature journaling supplies (an unlined journal, colored pencils, fine-tip pen, and watercolors). Occasional asynchronous participation will be possible if needed; talk with faculty.