OARS Summer Arts Series | Ages 10+
What happens when art meets nature, imagination meets engineering, and the forest becomes a canvas?
In this three-week, hands-on creative experience, young artists will explore environmental sculpture and natural architecture through the construction of large-scale, collaborative woodland installations. Inspired by the imaginative woven branch sculptures of environmental artist Patrick Dougherty, participants will discover how natural materials can be transformed into remarkable sculptural forms.
Working with branches, saplings, vines and other suitable natural materials, participants will experiment with weaving, bending, layering and structural construction. They'll explore how artists use natural forms, balance, texture and spatial relationships to create sculptures that interact with and become part of the surrounding landscape.
Through guided instruction and collaborative building, young artists will combine creativity, problem-solving and basic engineering concepts to develop an ambitious outdoor art installation at OARS.
What we'll explore:
Environmental art and the work of contemporary land artists.
Natural materials, their properties and structural possibilities.
Traditional branch weaving and natural construction techniques.
Sculptural forms, balance, pattern and three-dimensional design.
Natural architecture and the relationship between art and landscape.
Collaborative design and construction of a large-scale woodland installation.
Participants will contribute to a collective outdoor sculpture that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship and our connection to the natural world.
Program Details
Ages: 10+
Dates: August 16–September 1, 2027
Days: Mondays & Wednesdays
Session Length: 3 hours
Six sessions over three weeks
Tuition: $100per participant
Materials included
Scholarships available
Come imagine, design, build and transform the woodland into a living work of art!