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Spring is time to affirm our connection to nature and its cycle of renewal. We are part of nature and when we spend time in nature or in our gardens it restores our equilibrium and optimism.
In spite of all the human drama, emotions, and politics; in spite of chasing illusive dreams; in spite of seeing hopes frustrated, Spring is a turning point, a rebirth that can remind us of the power of the life force. The fruit tree will bloom, new shoots will push out of the earth, wildflowers will adorn empty fields, and the new season will bring new energy.
Our mission statement says:
Gardens for Humanity awakens and tends the gardens of the human spirit by teaching and celebrating our connection to nature, local agriculture, art and community while promoting
an ecologically sustainable and more humane culture.
Celebrating the Art in Earth - our art and environmental education program - brings together all the elements of our mission to third grade students in six schools. By using art as a means of teaching about the environment we are teaching the whole child and building a strong inner connection to nature.
A teacher at Oak Creek Elementary School says,
"It is a wonderful and unique opportunity for our students to be introduced to the arts this way. They get to explore the arts, education, and themselves in a way that would not be possible without Gardens for Humanity."
Another teacher from Camp Verde Elementary School shared comments from his third grade students:
"I liked all of the teachers because they all taught us something about science using art, and we don't have an art class here at CVES."
"I loved Mr. Tom because I like how he taught us about the life cycle of plants and the parts of a seed."
"Ms. Patty was great because we got to paint fruits and vegetables. We also learned about nutrients!"
"Mrs. Nancy helped me overcome my fear of singing in front of other people."
"I thought the clay lesson with Ms. Patty was amazing!"
"When we mixed the colors together to make the color wheel, I learned a lot about how colors are made."
"Mrs. Martha's dance class made me happy. I am not shy about dancing in front of other people anymore."
This program is an example of how we give students the chance to explore the natural world through art. We are providing them new tools of communication, and quality time to really observe and care for nature. We are nurturing their natural curiosity, and experimentation and we are challenging them to do new things.
We invite you to join us as we "celebrate the art in earth" this Spring!
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President, Gardens for Humanity
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