Great Parks of Hamilton County
Art in Root Program
Great Parks’ mission isn’t just preserving nature and providing education for future generations; it’s also committed to supporting the arts. Art in Root is a three-step program designed to create connections between high school students and nature through art.
This program features a combination of a field trip to a park, an in-class visit and an art exhibition to immerse students in nature and translate their experiences into fine art.
Through the generosity of Great Parks Forever, any local school that participates in all three steps of this program will receive a $1,000 stipend for their school’s art department.
Once you’ve applied, you will be contacted by a Great Parks employee with more information.
Program Steps
- Great Parks Field Trip (September 2019 – November 2019)
Schedule a field trip to one of our many Great Parks and explore nature and our impact on it during a one-hour hike. Bus transportation is included. Classes are welcome to stay longer in the parks to create their art. - In-Class Visit (December 2019 – February 2020)
A Great Parks Nature Interpreter will join you for a class period to discuss how we impact nature and how nature impacts us. Interpreters might even have an animal ambassador or two to help serve as examples for the discussion. - The Nature of Us: The 2020 Art in Root Exhibit
Art submitted by schools will be displayed at The Nature of Us: The 2020 Art in Root exhibit held at Sharon Woods from March 28 – April 5, 2020. An artists' reception will be held March 29 from 2 – 3 p.m. Note: The number of school submissions available will be determined by the number of schools participating. Artists are asked to include an artist's statement with all submitted pieces.
Awards will be given for the following works:
- Photography
- Painting
- Mixed Media
- Graphic Art
- Sculpture
Works submitted to the exhibit will need to be matted and ready to hang on a wire or string, or be displayed on a pedestal (sculpture only).
At the end of the show, artwork will be auctioned off at the artist’s discretion. 75% of the profits will be given back to the student and 25% will be a contribution to Art in Root. Artists set the minimum bid for their pieces.
Visual Art standards, grades 9-12
- 2PE: Identify and describe the source artists use for visual reference and o generate the ideas for artwork.
- 4PE: Identify factors that influence the work of individual artists.
- 1PR: Demonstrate basic technical skills and craftsmanship with various art media when creating images from observation, memory and imagination.
- 3RE: Use appropriate vocabulary to define and describe techniques and materials used to create works of art.
- 7RE: Recognize and articulate the importance of lifelong involvement and advocacy in the arts.
Science standards, grades 9-12
Biology: Students will engage in investigations to understand and explain the behavior of living things in a variety of scenarios that incorporate scientific reasoning, analysis, communication skills and real-world application.
- Diversity and interdependence of life
- Environmental science
- Interconnect spheres of Earth
- Adaptations
For more information or questions, contact art@greatparks.org.