Connecting People to Nature through the Arts

The Art From Nature workshops connect people to nature through the arts. Artist Sara Pruiksma with geographer Barbara Heinzen, both native gardening enthusiasts, led two, free, intergenerational workshops at the RCS Community Library in fall of 2023.

Pruiksma and Heinzen collected the natural materials from their gardens with a focus on native plants. Stacks of leaves, flowers and grasses were dried, and twigs, branches and vines were collected and prepared in advance.

In October participants were invited to collage with natural materials on a wooden canvas. By contrast, the November workshop challenged participants to create three-dimensional works using only natural materials and twine.

Sample of student work

Sara Pruiksma and Barbara Heinzen wish to thank each of the participants for sharing in our love of art and nature, and seeing art in nature. Many thanks also to the RCS Community Library & staff for graciously hosting our program. Thank you!