Phragmites australis Eco Art Workshop

485 South Cross Street,Chestertown MD 21620

04 November, 2021

Description

Eco Art Workshop with environmental artist, Stephanie Garon and Director of the Washington College River and Field Campus, Michael Hardesty. As an environmental artist, Stephanie Garon creates sculptures and installations using natural materials sourced by hand against industrial steel to explore themes of permanence, claim, and labor. In preparation for her upcoming indoor and outdoor exhibition, PRY at Washington College in January 2022, Garon consulted with the scientists at the Washington College River and Field Campus to identify site-specific environmental issues and chose to focus on the invasive plant species, Phragmites australis, as both subject and material. PRY is a site-specific environmental art project that includes 2 art installations: one inside Kohl Gallery, and the other outside on a public walking path located on the Chester riverfront. In this workshop, Stephanie will introduce participants to her artistic process for PRY, which has focused on exploring the species from scientific, ecological, and visual perspectives and extracting the Phragmites australis plant from the ground to be used in the exhibition. Join Garon and Michael Hardesty, Director of the WC River and Field Campus, for this informative, awareness-raising workshop in which you will learn to: 1) identify the Phragmites australis plant 2) understand its environmental effects, 3)determine why and when removal is necessary, 4) be instructed in best removal techniques, 5) contribute to the upcoming exhibition by assisting in the removal of Phragmites australis from the Chester riverbank to be included in the art exhibition, 6) receive information that will help limit the spread of Phragmites australis and other invasive species. PLEASE NOTE: We will be outside in the marsh for this workshop. Please wear rain boots/high ankle sturdy footwear, and rain/weather clothing gear to be and work outdoors for two hours. Gloves optional, but recommended, shovels will be provided.