Author(s)

R. G. Wakeland

Abstract

Crowd reactions to a sculpture installation were collected at a 3-day open air event attended by 1,020 adults. Objectives of the installation were to raise awareness about air pollution and facilitate a group sculpture collaboration. Themes of scepticism, art appreciation, and further ideas for 3D environmental statements emerged. Artists’ engagement with the natural world is explored. Keywords: environmental sculpture installation, collaborative learning environment, air pollution, nature forms in art. 1 Introduction A public event gave the artist/author the opportunity to install sculpture designed to measure particulate air pollution, and to facilitate a group sculpture. The sculpture’s theory was that particulate air pollution collects on both plane and textile surfaces, as grey smudge, thus becoming observable. Junkyard metal objects, manufactured products, together with natural jute rope and fabric provided the media. Space and time inherent in the scenario provided the nonclassroom, collaborative learning environment. 2 Literature review Pursuing a theory of outside-the-classroom art education pedagogy, Northern Illinois University professors and students directed a community mural project in 2009 with teenagers and adults. Consensus determined the subject: \“Aztec narrative celebrating music” [1]. Mural painting and construction itself facilitated learning through problem-solving and knowledge-sharing. Like the writer’s air pollution crusade, this endeavour also had a non-art motive: to test out collaborative learning and strengthen communication between the university and its surrounding neighbourhood [1].

Keywords

environmental sculpture installation, collaborative learningenvironment, air pollution, nature forms in art.