Finding Art in Nature: Eco Artists Program Fosters Connections for Detroit Children

On a bright and crisp autumn morning, Belle Isle Nature Center educators lead preschoolers and their caregivers on a neighborhood nature hike to find leaves and other natural materials that inspire their sense of wonder and beauty. As children observe the world around them, their hands grasping the crunchy and brittle textures of leaves and sticks, they excitedly choose just the right leaf to create their printmaking artwork — just like the ones they recently saw on a museum tour.

This inspiring scene was made possible by Nature Tots Eco Artists, a partnership between the Detroit Zoological Society’s Belle Isle Nature Center and the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) to bring nature-based art and literacy programming to early childhood learners in Detroit. Funded through a grant from the Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation, the program focuses on art inspired by subjects found in nature, building connections between the local landscape and sense of self, belonging and meaning making in young learners.

In the initial phase of the program, the DZS and DIA provided outreach education to early childhood learners and their caregivers at a variety of Brilliant Detroit locations, including the Brightmoor district. Children in these locations took field trips to the DIA, the Detroit Zoo and the Belle Isle Nature Center — all with the same goal of promoting a sense of inclusiveness and connection while allowing them

to engage with the natural world surrounding them. This sense of community and connection is at the heart of the Nature Tots Eco Artists program.

“The rhythm of the Nature Tots curriculum — music and movement, literacy, adventures in nature and art — reinforced sensory-rich and experiential exploration of art through nature’s textures, colors, materials and even temperatures,” says Amy Greene, nature centers director for the DZS. “Project activities were designed to be developmentally appropriate, artand nature-focused, and fun!”

Each participant received art supplies, materials and their own copy of the children’s book shared during that session. Caregivers received a curriculum guide to reinforce the content, including simple activities to do at home to further the connection to art and nature. Staff from all three organizations trained and taught together in a bilingual and joyful atmosphere.

While much of the art in the program is intended to be ephemeral and process-rich, an exhibit at the Detroit Zoo of art created by Nature Tots Eco Artists participants was displayed, culminating in a celebration of learning and community.

“This is a fantastic program that made a true impact,” Greene says. “Nature and connection are huge parts of the DZS identity, and we are so glad to have been a part of this.”