Environmental Justice + Art

This resource is meant to go along with a temporary exhibit currently at the UMMA, Watershed. The exhibit contains artwork that reflects on different past and future relationships with the Great Lakes, and the workbook provides a thoughtful analysis of this contemporary art. There are images from the exhibit within the book, so students can complete the activities as a stand-alone if need be.

Why this workbook is so useful: Critical thinking! The guide is not just “busy work” as it actually has students respond creatively to contemporary, purposeful artwork. The workbook, geared towards university students is also available in a shorter version for families.

Facilitating a discussion around environmental justice and the many artists that also act as activists can be an extremely engaging and thoughtful discussion. Thankfully, most artists do the hard work of getting visitors to think critically about the world around them, but educators can also do their part in helping students think critically about the works of art.