By
Joye Redfield-Wilder,
Communications manager, central regional office
Students
in the Yakima area explored current environmental issues and the effects of
climate change as part of this year’s Message in the Materials art show and
educational outreach program hosted by our Central Regional Office in Yakima.
In
anticipation of Earth Day (April 22), students created jewelry pieces from
recycled materials and created Climate Change Collages from recycled magazines.
Their works are on display through May 15 at the Central office, 15 W. Yakima
Ave., Suite 200.
 |
| Jewelry pieces made with re-purposed materials |
The
students from Davis and Eisenhower high schools titled their show this year Stuff & Junk (Click on Stuff & Junk album to see close-up photos and descriptions)
That
would be “stuff and junk”– like magazines, recycled leather, buttons, old
jewelry and beads and other “found” items to create something new, personal and
beautiful.
CRO
employees gathered up the “resources” for the projects, scouring their old
jewelry boxes, magazine racks and calendar piles to supply students with
materials for their creations.
 |
| Eisenhower student creates pendant from junk drawer crystals and jewelry |
Eisenhower
students were challenged to create a collage on the issues they were most
passionate about as they considered how the Earth’s climate is changing.
They
created flat art using magazine photos and other elements, accompanied by
artist statements reflecting their thoughts on the subject.
Eisenhower
jewelry students combined the old and the new --- like a deconstructed string
of pearls attached to a newly created chain mail -- into innovative pieces.
They were assigned to create an enamel piece, a resin piece using a recycled
pop bottle cap, and pair with junk jewelry – mismatched earrings, studs, beads
and baubles, shells – to create a new bracelet, necklace, anklet or earring
set.
Davis
students rolled paper beads and combined them with puzzle pieces, leather from
old coats, hardware, buttons and ribbons - junk drawer finds to create
bracelets, necklaces and earrings.
ADDED
BONUS:
On
April 17, Yakima Valley students participated in the Skills USA state jewelry
competition for high school students. Their challenge was to create a necklace
(and maybe matching earrings) using new and recycled materials.
 |
| Food and flooding concerns considered in Climate Collage |
They
had 30 minutes to sketch a design from materials they were given in an envelope
and three hours to construct the pieces - using scrap metals, vinyl molding,
linoleum, recycled leather and beads. Students from Highland High School joined
finalists also from Davis and Eisenhower schools.
WMS
outreach too
Ecology
staff visited classes relating information on protecting the environment and
provided inspiration, and resources (old jewelry, magazines, etc.) for the
projects.
