This unique interdisciplinary course was first developed in 2005 in collaboration with Zakary Zide at the Oakland Museum; it is now co-taught by Andrée Thompson and Sharon Siskin at Laney Community College in Oakland, California.
It covers a brief history of the environmental/social justice art movement, with several distinguished guest artist, scientist, eco and community activist speakers. The students do extensive research on an important “matter” of their choosing, develop a proposal, and then create artworks, installations, visual presentations or performances which are installed by the artists and exhibited at a local gallery.
In addition to the visiting lecturers and invited artist/curators, the works are informed by a rich variety of experiences including: attendance at the Bioneers’ Conference, hands on field work in community such as Save the Bay, visits to other eco art exhibits, extensive video/film screenings and assisting prominent eco artists on public projects.
