Be a Bee

Image courtesy of Tina Phillips / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Last weekend I went to the exhibition of students’ art work at OCAD, The Ontario College of Art and Design, in Toronto.  I was impressed by the number of students whose work addressed their concerns about the health of the natural world.

One fibre artist, Cassidy Tam, exhibited a large work she’d created along with her idea for a children’s camp called Camp Be a Bee.  I didn’t get a chance to meet Cassidy, but loved her art work and camp idea.

On her flyer, she writes:

Have you ever get scared by a furry Bumblebee? Do you know why they like to hang around in the backyard?  Get ready for a two-week adventure to explore and learn about pollination and local plants that live in Toronto. From art exploration to scientific experiment, you will interact with other camp members to build a beautiful meadow just like a hard working little bee!

I was drawn to her ideas because of my concern for the health of bees. I’m also heartened when I see people working to bridge the gap of disconnection between humans and the natural world.  Helping city children appreciate nature is an important part of changing our attitudes toward the larger world that sustains our lives.

Good luck, Cassidy, with your camp and your art work.  Here’s Cassidy’s website.  Her card, below, shows her email.

Camp Be a Bee Flyer by Cassidy Tam