Lessons learned from the landscape: an integrated approach

This article presents a multidisciplinary pedagogy that integrates art education and ecological studies toward the goal of fostering affection for the landscape. This approach to designing art curriculum was based on ecological and outdoor education Expeditionary Principles. Learning objectives that are common to art education and Expeditionary Principles are discussed. A model for teaching environmental education through art was incorporated in the design of a graduate professional development course for teachers. Environment was utilized as context and content, highlighting art-making from natural materials, multidisciplinary connections and multiple perspectives. The outcomes, lessons learned from moving beyond the classroom into the landscape are reviewed. Finally, utilization of materials from the natural environment and, perhaps more significantly, sustaining the environment through purposeful use of resources in the curriculum, are discussed.