| "We're finding that art is helping instill an appreciation for, and understanding of this unique ecosystem." | |
| Marya Ahmad, Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve |
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Nature has always inspired artists. Now, a California National Estuarine Research Reserve is using an artist to spark children's interest in the environment.
The Tijuana River Reserve is doing this by tapping into the Artists in Residence grants program offered by the California Arts Council. This state program provides funding for projects that emphasize long-term, in-depth interaction between professional artists and the public.
"Many of the children in this program live just a few minutes away and don't even know we're here. They don't know what an estuary is, what cordgrass is, or that this is an important area for migratory birds," says Marya Ahmad, education coordinator at the reserve, which is located just outside San Diego. "We're finding that art is helping instill an appreciation for, and understanding of this unique ecosystem."
For the past three years, Carmela Castrejon has been the artist in residence at the reserve, conducting three-month-long workshops with elementary school classes and afterschool programs. Last year she worked with more than 400 students ranging in age from 3 to 18. The Arts Council funds 75 percent of the $1,600 she receives a month, with the reserve picking up the rest of the tab.
"You can find an artists in residence program almost in every state," says Wayne Cook, program administrator for the California program. "Ours is the largest residency program in the country."
In California, an artist approaches a sponsoring agency, such as the reserve, with a proposal, and if it's accepted, the artist then applies to the Arts Council for funding. Cook says many states interview artists and put their names in a book so that agencies can find an artist.
"The first activity I do with the kids is bring them to the estuary," Castrejon says. "Here they can see that there are different types of plant and animal life, and the adaptations that the different types of life have had to undergo to survive in the environment. By the end of the workshop, they are very aware of what a habitat is, and what the elements of a habitat are."
So aware that the students' final project is to create their own animal in papier-mâché, put it into a three-dimensional environment, and write a description of their animal, its habitat, and what it feeds on. At the end of the program, the works are put on public display at the reserve.
"For them to undergo the process of a three-month workshop, to learn the new language of science and art, and to create a creature that people will stop in, look at, and comment on, makes them very proud," says Castrejon.
Ahmad notes, "We're reaching an audience in our community that we wouldn't be reaching otherwise. It's really not all that much work for all the outreach and education we're getting assistance with. It's successful and it's easy."
For more information on the Tijuana River Artist in Residence program, contact Marya Ahmad at (619) 575-3613 or mahmad@ixpres.com. You may also contact Carmela Castrejon at ccastrejon@yahoo.com.
