Fall 2009: Multi-medium Eco-conscious Art Class

The "Pedal-A-Watt", made by Mary White and James Cline using salvaged materials, show just how much human energy it takes to light some traditional incandescent bulbs.

This unique course covers a brief history of the environmental, Eco-Art and community art movement, with distinguished guest artist and scientist lecturers.

Students create art, installations, visual, oral presentations or performances based on extensive research about an important “matter” of their choosing. The work is then exhibited in a professional gallery on campus or in the community.

Past shows have been at the Oakland Museum, June Steingart Gallery, Oakland Zoo Education Center, the Addison Street Windows in Berkeley, Vickie Jo Sowell’s studio gallery, and the Big Daddy’s Rejuvenating Community Garden.

Each semester, the students participate in relevant field trips for hands on experience, which have included working for save the bay, visiting local ecoart exhibits and attending the bioneers’ conference in october. Credit is given for volunteer work in local environmental or community organizations.

At a time when the planet is in need of our most creative attention, this course helps educate, advocate and create hope for a healthy survival.