Central Michigan University

About the Workshop:

Available for students who will be entering 6th - 12th grade, this workshop will provide hands-on, interactive experiences related to the natural world. Whether dissecting a flower or observing other interactions of the natural world, the hands-on, interactive experiences are designed to nurture students’ curiosity about their place in their local environment and introduce ways in which the arts can be a valuable tool for sharing and exploring that world. 

In addition to exploring natural elements, participants will be coached through the development and production of their own creative expression combining their choice of poetry, prose, comics, and art to express their ideas. Students are invited to display their works at a public art show featuring visiting artist and workshop facilitator, Rhea Ewing who shared that one of their passions is, “the way our individual lives and stories can be connected to the plants and animals around us.” 

Registration includes an copy of Rhea’s coloring book.

About the Artist:

Rhea Ewing (they/them/theirs) is an award-winning artist who calls upon themes of biodiversity, queer identity, finding connections to the natural world, and building safe spaces for all people. The value of art, by their reasoning, is the ability to create connections, question assumptions, and inspire others to do the same. Rhea works in a diverse range of media including large mixed media originals, printmaking, activity books, and graphic novels. Their critically acclaimed graphic memoir FINE: a comic about gender was released from Norton/Liveright last year. Rhea currently takes inspiration from the diverse landscapes of Michigan and California.

Learn more about their work at:  

• https://www.finecomic.com/
• https://rheaewing.com/