Lilly Wilson, Student
Boise State University
Dandelion sculpture at the Foothills Learning Center in Boise, ID. A non-native species surrounded by Idaho native plants, expressing the importance of native species in our foothills.
Connecting people with the environment they call home is a keystone of environmental education. While facts and figures play a crucial role in understanding environmental issues, they often fall short when working to create a deep, personal connection with our environment. Although statistics and graphs can inform us about serious issues we are facing, like climate change or biodiversity loss, they typically don’t inspire engagement and drive to take action. By incorporating art into environmental education and community projects, we have the ability to engage people of all ages, inspire environmental stewardship, and help create a longer lasting bond between people and nature.
Throughout Idaho’s urban and wild spaces, it is impossible to miss outstanding artworks displaying the beauty of our home state. These installations that feature Sawtooth mountains, rushing rivers, and charismatic fauna are able to transform city parks and blank walls into educational environments. These creations are able to raise awareness about environmental issues in a way that engages people, fostering a true connection and appreciation for natural spaces.
Incorporating art into environmental education can have a profound impact on students. Artistic projects that focus on sustainability can provide a hands-on learning experience, engaging all different types of learners. In my high school art class, we had the opportunity to create pieces that highlighted environmental issues in our area.
Mural in McCall, ID showcasing river otters and native Idaho wildflowers. Art by Jay Rasgorshek
This required students to research problems in Idaho, brainstorm ways to creatively display these issues, and put paint to canvas. You could truly see students getting excited about their pieces based on sage grouse habitat decline, forest fires, or salmon recovery. This project demonstrated to me how art can be such an important part of environmental education, sparking interest and awareness where there wasn’t before.
Not only is art important for environmental curriculum, but for community education as well. Community art installations focused on the environment serve as powerful tools for raising awareness and inspiring action.
Community art initiative to decorate electrical boxes in Boise, ID. Art by Taelyn Baiza, featuring scenes inspired by Idaho's wilderness
Larger scale projects like murals or sculpture installations become focal points for urban areas, opening discussion and connecting with people on a personal level, allowing nature to shine in areas where it may not be typically found such as urban landscapes.
The intersection of art and environmental education is a cornerstone of implementing a sustainable future. Art has the power to engage, educate, and inspire, creating lasting connections between people and their natural environments. Whether it be through school projects, community installations, or individual creativity, art plays a crucial role in environmental awareness and encouraging positive action throughout Idaho.
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