Over a one year period, Branches Atelier (then, Blueberry Atelier) and The Children's Nature Institute (CNI) worked in collaboration to offer unique, hands-on nature experiences for the parents and children of Branches. In a world that is so fast paced, we wanted to create space in our lives to slow down, rediscover and reconnect with nature.
Throughout the year, on select Fridays, come rain or shine, Branches teachers, parents and children embarked on an exploration of Temescal Canyon. This canyon became a classroom without walls; filled with places that fed our spirits, imaginations and souls. Hiking the trails and creating art from natural materials, we explored the changes that each new season brought: watching as summer's golds and browns gave way to shimmering spider webs, creating fiery crowns of autumn leaves and tramping across muddy, swelling streams. Through these dynamic experiences, nature came alive in the hands, hearts and minds of the children.
The result of these ongoing explorations transformed into a beautiful art exhibit featuring the children's photography and poetry and premiered at the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles. The exhibit was also featured at the Santa Monica Bay Womans Club, The Museum For Children in Portand , Oregon and….
Click here to visit the site dedicated to the exhibit.