Combining art and nature activities not only piques the interest of youth but provides many health benefits. Autumn, the pause between the heat of the summer and cold of winter and a perfect time to get outside! In my fall afterschool programs, I prioritize bringing students outside since they have been in school all day. Instead of simply playing on the playground, I incorporate nature exploration and art.
Nature Exploration & Art Benefits
- Increase mental health & well-being
- Nature awareness & sensitivity
- Can promote multi-generational family engagement
Before You Go
- Practice Leave No Trace: A set of principles that helps guide people to minimize their impact on nature, ensuring it remains healthy and enjoyable for future generations.
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
‘Leave What You Find’ is an important principle to consider when doing nature and art. Do not pick living plants. Collect only the items you need for your project like fallen leaves or rocks.
Nature & Art Activity
Permanent Art
- Materials: leaves, glue or tape, makers
- Collect leaves: Go for a walk in your neighborhood or your local park and collect a few leaves.
- Gather supplies: Brings all the materials you need to a table.
- Get artsy: With the leaves, paper, and glue, let your brain go wild and create your favorite animal, your family, or even a jet!
Temporary Art
- Materials: Anything in nature
- Learn about artists such as Andy Goldsworthy: He is an English sculptor, photographer, and environmentalist who creates place-based and land art located in natural or urban settings.
- Collect nature items: Go for a walk in your neighborhood or your local park and collect items.
- Get artsy: Create your very own temporary art.
- Deconstruct your art: The beauty of temporary art is that it has little impact on nature. When you are done crafting your artwork, make observations about each other’s artwork, take pictures, and then deconstruct your art so that nobody ever knew you were there!
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