Arts-based Ecology Education
Arts-based Ecology Education (AbEE) is driven by the idea of using art as a way of supporting children to engage with nature rather than merely illustrating it.
My AbEE work explores how art making can be used to engage children in a meaningful way with the living world. It develops understanding through increasing awareness and sensitivity to nature. AbEE recognises the value of experiential, creative learning and the benefits the arts bring in offering learning opportunities that are enjoyable and motivating, resulting in memorable, authentic learning.
I have been working as an artist on the Teacher/Artist Partnership and BLAST programmes since their initiation and as an artist on the 'Primary Colours' programme for Sligo Arts service. As a specialist on the Heritage in Schools programme I visit a large number of schools each year and use art to encourage children to learn about their local natural heritage.
I hold a research MA in Arts and Social Practice, exploring an arts-based approach to ecological education in a school ground setting.
I am a tutor on the Eco Arts Practice couse at MTU, Cork and deliver training nationwide for educators interested in combining art and ecology. I currently run CPD summer courses for teachers in Arts and Biodiversity with Sligo Education Centre.
Below are a selection of images taken from my AbEE work in national schools over the last twenty years, through a variety of programmes including Heritage in Schools, BLAST, TAP and Artist in Schools residencies
