As part of the Rye Arts Festival, James Tomlinson, artist and wearer of many other hats, created an art installation on the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve at the weekend, September 27 and 28. This was to encourage children and their families to connect with nature through art. It was a huge success and everyone who took part really enjoyed the experience.
James commented: “I was really blown over with the response as the art installation grew steadily over the two days. It ended up being a bit of a Jackson Pollock meets Rye Harbour. I firmly believe that connecting art and nature offers children significant benefits for their mental and emotional well-being. I enjoyed watching children really thinking about what they were going to draw and taking great care. Thank you everyone who took part.”
Engaging children with nature-based art activities encourages observation and provides a non-verbal outlet for expressing their feelings. This art installation provided hands-on sensory experiences that helped to build a deeper connection to the natural world. James was a great encourager and for those children who were a little unsure he gave them confidence to have a go and they were so pleased that they had.
Spending time in nature and engaging in art helps reduce stress and anxiety while improving focus and emotional regulation. Children learn by doing, and nature-based art provides a playful and experiential way for them to learn about the world in which they live.
Image Credits: James Tomlinson , Kt bruce .