My Nature-Art School
My Nature-Art School
Our My Nature-Art School project kicked off this October at Elgiz Museum in Istanbul, offering children a unique opportunity to connect with nature through art. In collaboration with Danish artists Marika and Freja from Seidler’s SENSORIUM, children engaged in workshops where they created their own art using clay, plaster and materials from nature they collected. Each session began with interactive storytelling to ignite their imaginations and deepen their bond with the natural world.
Seidler’s SENSORIUM is a Danish theater group that encourages people of all ages to forge playful and sensory connections with nature. Through performance walks and exhibitions, they create immersive experiences that blend visual and performing arts with biological processes, helping people reconnect with the environment.
From Istanbul to Çanakkale
After our inspiring start at Elgiz Museum, we headed to Çanakkale to continue the workshops as part of the 9th Çanakkale Biennial. In the scenic Güneşane Foundation, near the ancient city of Assos, children from the villages of Behramkale and Paşaköy joined Marika and Freja for creative exploration. The workshops aimed to strengthen their connection to nature and foster their creativity in new ways.
On the first day, the artists introduced the children to interactive theater games inspired by the sounds of nature, the layers of the earth, and the elements. This five-hour adventure allowed the children to immerse themselves in a magical fusion of nature and art.
On the final day of our two-day workshop at Güneşane Foundation, children explored the beautiful farm, gathered materials from nature, and used their imaginations to create unique artworks. They worked with clay and plaster under the guidance of Marika and Freja, discovering new ways to express themselves while forming a deeper connection to the world around them. Every leaf, stone, and twig became part of their artistic journey.
As we wrap up our My Nature-Art School project, we reflect on the profound impact it has had on the children and communities we worked with. The workshops at Elgiz Museum and Güneşane Foundation have shown us how art can serve as a powerful tool to connect people with nature, creativity, and one another. It was truly inspiring to witness the children’s growth, confidence, and newfound creativity as they formed stronger bonds with the natural world.
We are deeply grateful to our partners and supporters who made this project possible, including the Danish Ministry of Culture, the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Danish Arts Foundation, Seidler’s SENSORIUM, Elgiz Museum, Güneşane Foundation, Istanbul Neighbourhood Houses and the Çanakkale Biennial. Thank you for joining us on this journey!
