Environmental and Recyclable Art

Scope:
Environmental art allows for new and creative ways of recycling and reusing objects, working with nature, commenting on the state of the environment, and inspiring people to take action and "go green." My selections within this broad category range from informational resources (covering environmental art, artists, and events) to more practical ones (step-by-step instructions on how to create your own recycled art objects). I have selected resources that appeal to a broad range of ages, as "going green" is something that adults, children, and families can do together.

Source 1:
Title: greenmuseum.org
Author: greenmuseum.org
URL: http://www.greenmuseum.org
Date: 2007
Why I chose this source: This is the most up-to-date, comprehensive source on environmental art I have found on the Internet. With an international scope, it provides information on artists and events, and presents curated digital exhibitions. Greenmuseum.org is a non-profit organization with a small staff,board of directors, advisors, and curators. The site provides access to information on environmental art, as well as opportunities for participation and support.

Source 2:
Title: cARTalog
Author: University of Iowa Libraries
URL: http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/pr/cartalog/home.htm
Date: 2005
Why I chose this source: I chose this source because it is a good example of something libraries can do to support creative recycling. While this project was completed in 2006, the gallery and information about the project can still be accessed, andcan offer inspiration and instruction on how a similar project might be undertaken elsewhere.

Source 3:
Title: eco-artware.com
Author: eco-artware.com LLC, Reena Kazman, director
URL: http://www.eco-artware.com
Date:1999-2007
Why I chose this source: While there is a large commercial aspect to this site, as it is a gallery for eco-friendly art, it also includes a seasonal newsletter covering current events in the environmental art scene. Additionaly, the site offers number of other informative resources, including a recycling guide and a craft how-to section. The site has been running for many years and is updated regularly.

Source 4:
Title: The Imagination Factory
Author: Marilyn Brackney
URL: http://www.kid-at-art.com/
Date: 1996-2007
Why I chose this source: This site is one of the best I have found for recyclable art projects for children. While it appears to be a private site, there are no ads, and it has received awards and recognition from other sites, including the American Library Association.

Source 5:
Title: Recycled Crafts Box
Author: Laura C. Martin
URL: Find this book in a library
Date: 2003
Why I chose this source: This book also presents an overview of recycling and a number of craft projects for children. Although there are many books out there like this one, I chose it because it presents environmental concepts in an interesting, easy-to-understand form, with a lot of nice illustrations. The craft projects are divided by material, and each includes an image so you can see what the final product looks like.

Source 6:
Title: Art Nature Dialogues: Interviews with Environmental Artists
Author: John K. Grande
URL: Find this book in a library
Date: 2004
Why I chose this source: I wanted to include a source that touched on the history of the environmental art movement, and this book offers a unique approach. It is divided up into interviews with individual artists, so readers get a sense of influential players in the field, while also gaining a better understanding of the broader issues environmental artists deal with. This book might inspire readers to "go green" themselves, or support environmental art in other ways.