Creative Research

GOVT/EAST/ENVS 304: Environmental Politics and Democratization

In this seminar taught by Associate Professor of Government and Environmental Studies Mary Alice Haddad in the fall semester of 2011, students focused on a single country and participated in discussions that focused on different themes related to environmental politics such as conservation, ethics, and eco-terrorism. Katja Kolcio, Associate Professor of Dance and Environmental Studies, conducted three movement modules throughout the course of the semester designed to help students become more aware of their surroundings and connect the physical and creative self to the environment. The seminar culminated in the creation of three temporary public art installations on campus that allowed the class to share with the community some of the issues they investigated in their studies, as well as spark some positive environmental action on campus.

Untitled, this structure was constructed out of trash as well as some of the branches that were knocked down from the October winter snow storm that crippled parts of Connecticut for over a week.  The piece was designed for people to enter, sit and reflect on how their "garbage" can be used for other purposes. Recycled, hand-made booklets were provided for participants to write down their thoughts and responses.

Wasted, made from used Solo cups this sculpture was created to highlight the wasteful nature of the party culture on college campuses, and to encourage students to drink out of re-usable cups to reduce waste.