Explore the arts as a way to connect even deeper with the outdoors or as a doorway to the outdoors.

"Many people see with their brain.  We have preconceived ideas of what a tree or a bird looks like.  These are conventional images in our minds.  Artists train their eye to override these ingrained images and to see purely through their eyes and then record what they see, and/or what it makes them feel". By Elsie Dentes

• Learn how to create fabric collages with artist Elsie Dentes.
• Paint bird tiles.  It connects with a cause and kids learn more about birds.
  
• Muralist and visual artist Katie Yamasaki shows you how to create cardboard birds, take them outdoors into their natural habitat and photograph them. See activity.
  
  
• Artist Sarah Locke explores bird identification through bird collages.

• D.C. resident DECOY provides a template for making your own cut-out pigeons.  Step by step instructions and template of pigeon drawing. 

• See art activities for youth groups and schools.
• See art activities for home schools
• See art activities for community
  gardens
  For example: Learn how to create dyes from the plants such as asters, marigolds, and sunflowers.
  
• See art activities for libraries.

Get inspired by artists!

Professional and amateur artists across the nation are celebrating urban nature in rich and diverse ways. See their work and get inspired!