This past September, our eighth-grade art enrichment classes went to Chautauqua Institution to see the Washed Ashore sculptures and participate in a few activities. The students on the trip had learned about Washed Ashore when they took art with Mrs. Fader last year.
"Once we learned the sculptures were being displayed nearby, I knew we had to go see them," Mrs. Fader said.
Washed Ashore is "Art to Save the Ocean." Volunteers collect junk that has washed ashore on beaches and turn the collection into beautiful sculptures.
During the visit, students participated in a recycled self-portrait and STEAM poetry activity, involving exploring lake water through microscopes. The group also took an interactive tour around the grounds to view all of the pieces. Students were allowed to touch all of the sculptures and see the scale of these creations up close.
Now, the students are working on brainstorming, designing and creating an art piece that raises awareness about an issue in our building, district or community.