Making Leaf Connections in Prescott, AZ!
This weekend I had the opportunity to teach a sculpture workshop in Prescott AZ with the Visions Youth Program through Scottsdale Arts & Innovation.
We created an offshoot of the Leaf Connections Project on iNaturalist, and spent the first part of the workshop exploring the flora of the Friendly Pines Camp where the retreat took place.
Images: Left: White Horehound & Boxelder by @madqpen. Center: Sonoran Scrub Oak by @tanya444. Right: Balkan Toadflax & Great Mullein by @madqpen
Using iNaturalist as a research tool, students discovered ways to identify their observations and learn about plant biodiversity in the Prescott National Forest.
They used this information to design and create a series of clay leaves using hand-building techniques to explore shapes, textures and add their own personalized details.
I was so impressed with these young artists and all the beautiful work they made-- inspired by our natural surroundings.
It was such a joy to teach this leaf workshop, especially this time of year. And I hope we created a few more neighborhood naturalists in the process!
Until next time--
Mary
marymeyerstudio.com
