Something is sprouting at the Garden—Seedlings classes return in September! Seedlings is a nature-based program for kids ages three to five and their caregivers. During class, kids get to sing, play and explore the Garden trails together!
But why wait until September to bring kids out into nature? Here’s a fun activity that everyone in the family can do, using only materials that you find outside.
Land Art in the Desert
Land Art is made entirely outside and uses materials you can find at home.
What you Need:
- No art materials needed
- Sun protection and water
Step 1: Pick your spot.
Go on an outdoor adventure and select a spot where you want to create your land art.
Step 2: Collect Materials.
his is a great opportunity to teach young children how to collect natural materials respectfully and with minimal impact on the environment. Golden Rules:
- Ground first! Twigs, leaves, seeds and flowers that are already on the ground are ideal because the plants have already shed them and no longer need them.
- Only one! If you want to clip a leaf or flower from a plant, only clip one.
- Keep it moving! Move from plant to plant and only clip one.
Step 3: Create Patterns.
Use your collected materials to create a unique sculpture! This project can teach kids about symmetry and patterns. Try this:
- Create a small circle with one of your materials
- Use other materials to divide your circle into segments, like wedges of a pie
- Pick a final material with lots of color to place at the four direction points (N, S, E, W)
Step 4: Document.
Take a photograph of your sculpture!
Step 5: Let it go.
Leave your sculpture behind and let it fall apart naturally! Alternatively, you can fully deconstruct your sculpture and return the collected materials where you found them.
What is Land Art? Land Art is an art style and movement that combines nature, sculpture and photography. Land artists don’t make their art in a studio; they make their art in the natural world, using materials that they find around them. They build sculptures from twigs or make patterns on the forest floor using different colored leaves, or they make designs with pebbles. These sculptures are documented with a photograph and then they are left to fall apart. They are designed to be temporary. Check out this example from British artist Andy Goldsworthy.
Want to inspire a love of nature in your child? Sign them up for Seedlings now! Grab your tickets to our September series.
