Teachers will explore environmental impacts and sustainability through art. Hear from world famous special guest artist, Willie Cole. Then get hands on with the GFS Education team. This workshop encourages innovation, invention and creativity in students by connecting to Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math content standards. Designed for K-12 educators. Full day admission to GFS and lunch is included.
Instructor: A self-described “contemporary artist, perceptual engineer, ecological mechanic, transformer,” Willie Cole alters perceptions of household objects like steam irons, ironing boards, hairdryers, and high-heeled shoes by ingeniously shaping them into sculptures, installations, and works on paper. Artist Willie Cole recently debuted four monumental chandeliers made of thousands of plastic water bottles as a way to draw attention to single-use plastics. In addition to addressing the global issue of single-use plastic bottles, Cole also wanted to underscore the need for fresh drinking water while acknowledging the damage caused to the environment by its disposal.
His work has been shown nationally and internationally in group and solo exhibitions, including at the Museum of Modern Art, New York, Bronx Museum of the Arts, Miami Art Museum, Montclair Art Museum, and elsewhere. The artist lives and works in his home state of New Jersey.