E-ART-H: Fire, Wind, Water, and Art

Quarters
Fall Open
Location
Olympia
Class Standing
Freshman
Gerardo Chin-Leo
Carri LeRoy
Lyndsay Rice

In the center of the word “Earth” is the word “art”— a connection that students at 鶹 have explored since the college’s founding. InE-ART-H, wecontinue this traditionwitha curriculumthat offersstudents ahands-onintroduction to environmental studies, natural history, and the arts.Studentswill learn about art-science connections through the lens of Earth-art, art about Earth,and the science of Earth (terrestrial and aquatic organisms). Throughout the program, students will develop a range of skills: working with metals, sculpting with clay, and drawing from observation to produce effective field notes and scientific illustrations. In addition, students will spend time in the field learning to identify native plant and animal species in local forests, wetlands, streams, and marine habitats.

In fall quarter, we willfocus ontheEarthand naturalsciences, with introductionstophysical geography,forest ecology,freshwater science, and the natural history of plants and freshwater organisms. Thisfoundationin environmental science willinspireartistic practices with short workshops in fine metals, other 3D media, such asceramics, as well as scientific illustration.Students will learn basic metalsmithing techniques and 3D design fundamentals while exploring how different materials support creative intent.We willalsolearn about environmental history andits connectionswith other disciplinesthrough a series of seminars onliteraturerelated tothe natural world.

In winter quarter,our studies will shift to the oceans. Through a study of marine biology we will cover the diversity and adaptations of major groups of marine organisms. These scientific explorations will inform continued practice in fine metals and 3D design.Students will refine their metalsmithing skills and learn more about design and form, supported by ongoing critique and discussion.

In spring quarter,students will continue the examination of the oceans. Through a study of marine ecology we will investigate the interactions of organisms with physical/chemical processes in selected marine habitats from the estuary to the deep-sea. The artcomponentwill focus ondevelopingintermediatetechniques infine metalwork to create original works that integrate ecological themes. Studio practice will emphasize craftsmanship, personal expression, and critique. The program will culminate in a final show featuring student work.

New students may join the program in winter. In spring, the program is only open to those students who have completed at least one of the previous two quarters (fall and/or winter).

This program is coordinated withGreener Foundations for first-year students in fall quarter. Greener Foundationsis 鶹’s in-person introductory student success course, which provides first-year students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive at 鶹.

Anticipated Credit Equivalencies: Fall Quarter (14 credits)

4 - Introduction to Earth Science and Environmental Science

4 - Introduction to Art: Fine Metals, Ceramics, Scientific Illustration

4 - Identifying Plants and Insects in Terrestrial and Freshwater Environments

2 - Introduction to Environmental Literature

Anticipated Credit Equivalencies: Winter Quarter (16 credits)

7 - Introduction to Marine Biology

7 - Introduction to Art: Fine Metals and 3D design

2 - Interdisciplinary Science-Art Seminar

Anticipated Credit Equivalencies: Spring Quarter (16 credits)

7 - Introduction toMarine Ecology

7 - Intermediate Fine Metals

2 - Interdisciplinary Science-Art Seminar

Registration

Students joining in spring should have been part of the program in either fall or winter quarter.

Academic Details

most areas

14
16
50
Freshman

$150 fee each quarter covers art supplies ($100), lab fee ($25), and studio fee ($25).

Schedule

Fall
2026
Open
Winter
2027
Open
Spring
2027
Conditional
In Person (F)
In Person (W)
In Person (S)

See definition of Hybrid, Remote, and In-Person instruction

Day
Olympia