BREAKING GROUND: NEW PERSPECTIVES ON LAND
Innovative Educators Institutes, Professional Development for 21st-Century Learning
June 17–19, 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Investigate and reflect on the complex and ever-changing relationship of humans and the natural world. Informing the exploration will be the works of art in the UNCOMMON GROUND exhibitions; the prairie, forest, and river landscapes at Maywood–Ellwood H. May Environmental Park; and the writings of Aldo Leopold.
- Learn new ways to integrate art, science, and writing in your curriculum.
- Research and respond to the natural world using the tools of the naturalist and the artist.
- Engage in exceptional hands-on art experiences.
- Interact with fellow educators in inspiring environments.
- Benefit from content appropriate for any grade level.
Teams of art, science, and language arts teachers are encouraged.
The first 20 WAEA members to register receive one free day. WAEA membership number required at registration.
Registration for all three days is recommended, but not required.
Cost: $45 per day (Price includes lunch. Credit or CEUs additional.)
To register, call the Arts Center at (920) 458-6144 by June 10.
Monday, June 17
Researching the Natural World
Investigate the prairie, forest, and river landscapes of Maywood–Ellwood H. May Environmental Park using tools employed by both the naturalist and the artist: careful observation, inquiry, discussion, and reflection. Learn the ecology of these special environments guided by a naturalist. Create hinged journals in which to record your observations, drawings, sound maps, and creative writings.
Tuesday, June 18
Evolving Values
The natural world has inspired artists since prehistoric times. Over the ages, depictions of nature reveal the many ways society has looked on the land—as something to romanticize, use, manipulate, protect, and sustain. Explore these issues through the UNCOMMON GROUND exhibitions. Then, design your own interior wallpaper environment using linoleum prints.
Wednesday, June 19
Individual Connections
Consider your values and attitudes regarding the land by reflecting on works of art in the exhibitions and Aldo Leopold’s writings. Learn about exemplary classroom projects that link art and environmental study. Use paper in extraordinary new ways to create an installation expressing your relationship to the natural world.
The Institutes are a collaboration between the John Michael Kohler Arts Center, the Peck School of the Arts at UW-Milwaukee, Maywood–Ellwood H. May Environmental Park, and the Aldo Leopold Foundation.
University credit hours and certificates for Continuing Education Units are available through the Peck School of the Arts at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM). Please note that to receive one university credit hour under the UWM course Art Education 489, you must attend all three days of the Innovative Educators Institute. Institute participants must also register with UWM as a graduate student, either in a non-degree program or in a degree program, to be able to receive graduate credit hours. If you have further questions about course credit, please contact Dr. Rina Kundu at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at (414) 229-4200.
For more information, contact Margaret Groff at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (920) 694-4553.