CultureWorks partnered with ODC to paint 8 rain barrels for education and display this summer around downtown Holland.
The Outdoor Discovery Center’s mission is to advance Outdoor Education & Conservation in West Michigan. They do this in a number of ways by caring for our natural resources, paving the way for accessible outdoor education, and helping others understand how to best understand and preserve the environment. They approached us about painting eight rain barrels that would be featured (and functioning!) throughout downtown Holland this summer. Rain barrels capture water from a roof and hold it for later use such as on lawns, gardens or indoor plants. It’s a great way to conserve water, reuse it for landscaping, and it’s free. These barrels will be used to collect rainwater in Holland while also promoting education about water conservation.
We used our three-week Botanical Design Class to explore the plant-powered possibilities found in botanical elements and forms. Students created designs by looking at local native plants, while drawing inspiration from artists like MC Escher and Lewis Lumen Cross in order to create a repeat pattern of our designs using Photoshop. These designs were printed for students to keep, and also made into stickers as well for students to take home.
Using these designs, students created repeated patterns in a variety of sizes on the rain barrels. At first glance you’ll see a playfully abstract compilation of organic shapes, only to then notice things like Winterberry, Lily of the Valley, Wild Lupine, Wild Ginger, Tulips, Morels, Spotted St. John’s-wort, and Lakeside Daisies peppered around the seven barrels the class completed.
Seedlings Discovery Preschool (an ODC nature-based Preschool) was excited to hear about this project and wanted in on the fun, so we hosted 18 eager and curious children to help us finish the final barrel. The Children talked about the different kinds of patterns found in nature before drawing patterns they recognized. Taking turns, their patterns were painted on the barrel, which will be featured among the other barrels around town.
Keep your eyes peeled for these barrels; with bright colors and playful compositions, they’ll be difficult to miss!
