Combining Art and Environmentalism: Conserve School’s “Leaf People” Come to Life

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Conserve School’s Earth Art students brought their leaf-filled environmentalist statues to life this week as they shared both artwork and knowledge with their classmates.  Last week, the students worked in pairs to create representations of famous environmentalists out of sticks, leaves, clothing, props, and art supplies.  (To learn more about the building of these characters, see Constructing Life Sized Environmentalists Out of Leaves.) This week, the students positioned their environmentalists comfortably in the Lowenstein Academic Building’s Gathering Space and gave them a voice by presenting information about their childhood, education, contribution to the environment, and much more.

• To learn more about Bill McKibben, Luke, Mattie, and Maeve actually got in contact with this modern-day environmentalist who focuses on climate change through projects such as 350.org and Step It Up.  McKibben shared some information about his efforts with the students and they in turn shared what they had learned with their classmates.
• Ellie and George read a story about an event in Aldo Leopold’s life before sharing details about the “father of wildlife ecology’s” heritage, writings, and career path.
• The statue of Henry David Thoreau talked about his own life, work, and many interests with the help of interviewer Julia and impersonator Chris.  The skit really brought Thoreau to life and was a creative way of introducing the class to this historical figure.
• Olivia and Jessie told stories about Jane Goodall’s childhood to introduce the only human who has been accepted into chimpanzee society.
• Laura and Gwen shared some quotes attributed to Rachel Carson, the woman who alerted the world of the bad effects of fertilizers and pesticides while also paving the way for women in the science field.

Although these presentations were only given to Earth Art students, the leaf-filled environmentalists will remain in the Gathering Space for some time, providing all Conserve School students and staff the opportunity to see the figures and consider their important contributions to the environment.

- Graduate Fellow Maria Kopecky

Luke, Mattie, and Maeve pose with their representation of Bill McKibben

Mattie and Maeve explain some of McKibben’s environmental efforts

Bill McKibben: “What actually makes people happy is full engagement. You are most alive when you are working at the limit of your abilities.”

Ellie and George pose with their statue of Aldo Leopold

Ellie and George speak about the life and accomplishments of Leopold

Aldo Leopold holds his book, A Sand County Almanac

Julia and Chris get friendly with their representation of Henry David Thoreau

Julia interviews Thoreau, with the help of Chris

Henry David Thoreau reads his book, Walden

Jessie and Olivia pose with their creation of Jane Goodall

Olivia and Jessie speak about Goodall’s life and experiences

Jane Goodall holds one of her favorite primates

Laura and Gwen pose with their statue of Rachel Carson

Laura and Gwen read some of Carson’s most noteable quotes

Rachel Carson: “Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life.”

Al Gore (by Brian and Walton) holds his book, An Inconvenient Truth

Teddy Roosevelt (by Alex and Colin): “There are no words that can tell the hidden spirit of the wilderness, that can reveal its mystery, its melancoly, and its charm.”

John Muir (by Aaron and Ana) takes a nap in the Gathering Space.

Margaret Murie (by Katie and Brooke): “I hope the United States of America is not so rich that she can afford to let these wildernesses pass by, or so poor that she cannot afford to keep them.”

Wangari Maathi (by Kate and Hailey): “It’s the little things citizens do. That’s what will make the difference. My little thing is planting trees.”

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