There are endless possibilities for groups to get involved in arts and crafts on an environmental theme, which can often be linked with the seasons, local celebrations and cultural events. Ideas include:
- badge making
- textiles
- pottery and tile making
- kite making
- poster competitions
- tee shirt design and printing
- junk modelling and sculpture
CVNI, Belfast
In Belfast, Conservation Volunteers Northern Ireland organised a schools competition, to paint a picture on an environmental theme. The 12 best pictures were published in a calendar, which was then sold through the schools. The pictures also went on a ‘road show’ display to various venues. Calor Gas sponsored the competition.
Dudley, West Midlands
In Dudley, West Midlands, TCV obtained funding for a local artist to work with children at Dudley Wood Primary School. They designed and made tiles, for brightening the entrance door to Lawnwood House, a local residential home for the elderly. The children drew designs of birds, butterflies, leaves and flowers, and then learnt how to etch these into the clay tiles. The glazes were ‘piped’ onto the tiles, which were then fired in a kiln, and exhibited at the school. The tiles were then set permanently in the wall around the entrance door to Lawnwood House, into relief work representing an archway of two trees.
