The Gifts of Nature Are Within Us
December, 2011
One of the greatest gifts we can give anyone is to create the opportunity and context in which they can experience the life and beauty of nature. Such an experience creates a resonance in one's heart and produces a greater sense of well-being, because nature is part of us, and we are a part of nature.
This is why I am so excited about the Art in Earth program that Gardens for Humanity is providing for six schools in our region. Not only are children gaining the artistic experience of observing and creating nature-inspired art, they are also learning the values of appreciation and stewardship of the environment.
In addition, there is increasing interest for starting more school and community gardens in our region. We are actively engaged in the effort to help and sustain these gardens, while making them essential laboratories for learning. It is so important that children as well as adults have these opportunities to connect with nature and thereby nurture the nature within themselves.
By supporting our programs you can help us provide and increase these projects. The "humanity" in Gardens for Humanity is that which completes us as human beings - relationship with nature, with beauty and with community.
May the blessings of nature bring you peace and happiness,
Richard Sidy, President Gardens for Humanity
Gardens for Humanity Art and Environmental Education Project
Celebrating the Art in Earth
Celebrating the Art in Earth uses art to teach the students about nature, gardening, nutrition, and sustainable practices such as composting, water conservation, and recycling.
What some of the artists, teachers and students are saying
ARTISTS
"I taught them a song written by Joe Wise called "Plant Me a Tree." They loved it and asked if at the last session if we could plant a tree and sing the song. How could I say no?"
- Nancy Dunst at Sedona Charter School (We planted a tree!)
"I was able to guide 26 third graders into one of the most outstanding creative movement sessions I have ever done as we explored in movement the life cycle of a plant."
- Martha Edwards at Camp Verde Elementary
"First day I told them we were going to be seed detectives; today we were scientists. They all loved it and asked appropriate questions. All in all it was a great experience for me as well."
- Firuse Stalcup at Desert Star Community School
"Thought you would enjoy seeing some of the sun catchers the kids made yesterday. We will be finishing up the project on Tuesday. I think they had a good time exploring the many different shapes and colors of flowers." - Maleita Wise at Oak Creek Elementary School
"While we were performing in the garden, we observed the chickens in the coop and studied their movements - then each student performed their rendition in the circle." - Martha Edwards at Mingus Union High School Vocational Agriculture class.
TEACHERS
"I want to first thank you again for the opportunity to be involved with the Gardens for Humanity art projects. We just had Firuse for our first class and she did an amazing job with 4th grade. I am looking forward to the other artists' visits." - Deborah Williams, Desert Star Community School
"Our first lesson with Martha went fabulous. The students loved it and many of them discovered that they love to dance. Thank you for letting us participate." - Brian Lewy, Camp Verde Elementary
"I feel that my students are so blessed this year. We have had our first artist, Sharron Porter, who is wonderful. We loved our first lesson and are very excited for her other two. What an opportunity, and she is the first of five!" - Linda Crawford, West Sedona School
STUDENTS
"This is the funnest thing I have ever done in school - ever!" - 3rd grade student Mr. Lewy, Camp Verde Elementary School
Thank you to those who support this project!
Supported in part by the Arizona Commission on the Arts
with funding from the State of Arizona and the National Endowment for the Arts
Community Garden News
St. John Vianney Community Garden
Begun on Mitzvah Day 2009 as a "Three Sisters Garden" and expanded in 2010, this garden has continued to grow, attracting more gardeners and more diversity of crops.
The SJV garden coordinators, Teri Bays and Roger Kreml, have organized resources and created a beautiful community garden, with the assistance of Gardens for Humanity.
Tranquil Community Garden, West Sedona
The Verde Food Council is organizing and advocating for the establishment of this new garden to serve the Harmony Hills area of West Sedona. This community garden will encompass .75 acres (800 ft. perimeter, 32,630 sq. ft.) on Tranquil Lane in Sedona, just off Andante. It will consist of 80 or more garden plots of various sizes and configurations, so that individuals and whole families may tailor their plot to their own needs. Pending approval from the City of Sedona.
This garden is also intended as a micro model/prototype for utilizing and redirecting storm water (flood water) so that it permeates into the ground. It will therefore be available to the garden vegetables and other trees and vegetation in the area, rather than flooding areas below it as it has done in the past. Gardens for Humanity has been collaborating on this project since its conception.
Support School Gardens
Funds are needed as "seed" money for materials to get them started. Schools have a great potential to develop healthy choices in their students and benefit the entire community.We look forward to your participation as we join together
to celebrate and care for our earth.
Please consider a donation to support our programs!
Your donations support our school and community gardens, community outreach and education, environmental and cultural programs.
Gardens for Humanity is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your donations are tax deductible.
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