Plants and animals provide a wonderful means of developing our observational skills. With such a variety of shape, size, texture, color in the forms of plants, animals and their environment, art is a natural companion for learning about the interconnections of life and the environment. Furthermore, developing a greater understanding of nature and the place of all living things in the world helps us develop a sense of responsibility to the environment. A natural expression for the desire to take care of one’s environment is to consider how to creatively reuse garbage. Taking ordinary household items no longer needed and making a piece of art from them can satisfy anyone’s desires to be responsible and creative. Studying and rendering the diversity of plant and animal life enables us to develop a deeper intuitive understanding of our connection to the environment.
Below is a sampling of Mosaic Forest art lessons covering art and environment.
| Lesson Title | Lesson Topic | Medium | |
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"Double-Sided Collage" | Animals on the prowl in their environments | Double-sided collage |
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"The Early Bird Gets the Worm" | Creating an imaginary three-dimensional bird | Recycled material Sculpture |
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"Movin’ and Groovin’" | Rendering movement in people and animals | Recycled Torn Paper Collage |
| "Hide and Seek" | Animals, plants and protective coloration | Collagraph |