TRAIL ART INITIATIVE - Workshops
The Initiative offers two types of workshops: banner design and/or banner painting. New in 2008, students produced a trail guide for their section of the Steel Valley Trail. You can download the Homestead Trail Guide (or contact us for a printed copy). Workshops are available to selected schools located near the Steel Valley Trail and to non-profits that are interested in the benefits of the trail to citizens and communities. A central focus of the initiative is engaging youth through schools and after-school programs, however we want to include community members of all ages and abilities, particularly in the banner painting workshops.
Banner Design Workshops are geared toward graphic design and art students in middle school, high school, and undergraduate studies. These workshops allow art and design students to apply their skills to a real-world project, while learning about the trail. Since the trail embodies multidisciplinary perspectives--ecology, biology, cultural and environmental history, economic development, and more--we welcome the opportunity to work with teachers across disciplines to inform the creation of the banner designs. Banner design workshops can also include banner painting, so that students feel a sense of accomplishment as they see their design executed in paint. Throughout the banner-making process, students learn the value of research and concept development, design and color theory, and they gain mastery of materials and processes. They come away with increased confidence in their own skills and gain pride in contributing to their community.
Banner Painting Workshops are either offered in conjunction with a banner design workshop or as a separate workshop. For the former, students or youth groups research, design, and paint the banners. Banner painting is geared toward non-profit youth organizations, community festivals and events, and other non-profit organizations that are interested in the trail. For a painting-only workshop, no prior art training is required. Banners have painted backgrounds and designs drawn on them, along with color coding to guide the banner painters. Experienced artists and student assistants guide community members in painting the banners.
Please contact us if you are interested in a workshop or want additional information. We can also provide presentations on our program to organizations that offer ecoliteracy programs, to teachers, or to art and education students. Please contact us at art4trails [at] gmail.com
