The University of St. Thomas 2022 Curricular Innovative in Sustainability Award has been awarded to Craig Eliason, Art History Professor. His course on blending art with the environment is a winner.
Eliason is a professor in the Art History Department and was awarded the annual award for his work in integrating sustainability into Art and the Environment (ARTH 105).
Art and the Environment explores the relationship between humans and the environment. It starts with landscape painting traditions from various cultures and ends with contemporary artists who address sustainability issues in their work. Eliason explained that his former introductory course in art was the foundation of his course. He developed a whole course that deepens students’ exploration of sustainability and ecology through art.
Eliasons integration of sustainability through historical as well as contemporary art analysis impressed the award selection committee. The committee also praised Eliasons innovative student engagement in sustainability through reflection and experiential education. The committee noted Eliason’s approach to sustainability, from appreciation of art through historical reflection to engaging with art in order for it to be integrated into the fabric of society.
After a series reflective and experiential assignments that explored art and sustainability, Eliasons final assignment gave students the opportunity to use landscape analysis to inform policies. In the multiyear collaboration between the Metropolitan Council of New York and the Sustainable Communities PartnershipEliasons students provided guidance to local governments to help them identify areas along Mississippi River for protection of viewsheds.
Eric Wojchik of Metropolitan Council said that the project had a real-world effect: Students are using art history perspectives on our landscapes to provide insight to the Metropolitan Council (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources) to assist in community identification of Mississippi River Public River CorridorViews. This work will provide guidance to local governments in order to preserve and preserve the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area.
Eliason said that he hopes that students will be able to use art to address current challenges. Eliason said that the most important lesson students should take away from the course is to consider the agency art has in facing current challenges.
Since 2013, theannual Curricular Innovation in Sustainable Sustainability AwardFaculty have been recognized for their innovation and excellence in integrating sustainable content into one course. A panel of faculty members from different disciplines reviews the nominations and selects an awardee.
