Peninsula, Ohio – The Environmental Education Council of Ohio’s (EECO) 26th Annual Winter Conference will focus on how educators can use artistic expression as a way to teach students about sustainability. The weekend conference, which is co-sponsored by Cuyahoga Valley National Park Association (CVNPA), will take place at the Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center from Feb. 1 through Feb. 3.
“This is an opportunity for formal and non-formal educators to get hands on experience and gain ideas from other educators on how artistic expression can crystallize a better understanding of sustainability for students of all ages.” said CVNPA Program Director Paul Khacherian.
Program highlights include sessions on how to turn scrap paper into homemade paper; how to use old t-shirts to make placemats or rugs; and how to use household scrap items like empty soup cans or compact discs to create sculptures.
Evening entertainment will be provided by artists including Jillian Davis, who will lead a group building activity to create sculptures from natural objects. The sculptures will then be auctioned Saturday evening with the benefits going to EECO.
Sunday morning’s keynote address will be given by P.J. Doran, who will talk about A Piece of Cleveland, which is a new organization that makes furniture and other pieces of art from homes and buildings set for demolition.
The fee for the entire weekend conference is $150. For members of EECO or CVNPA the fee is $140. This includes lodging at the Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center as well as all meals and materials. For Saturday-only participants the fee is $85. For members of EECO or CVNPA it is $75. This also includes meals and materials.