Green Artists League

“Flower Power” Pot

Supported in part by a grant from the Newburyport Cultural Council, GAL collage artist Pamela Perkins will conduct five weekday workshops during April school vacation. Students will work in teams to create four large Art-Pots which will later be planted and installed in a shared community garden. This is the beginning of GAL’s “Articulture #3”—a series of ongoing projects.

Called “Flower Power,” the workshop utilizes drawing, painting, decoupage and collage techniques. Participants will visually explore the world of “plant guilds,” permaculture and edible flowers, and upon completion, each pot will represent the horticultural science of the plants growing in them–how they’re working together to create and sustain a healthy environment.

In collaboration with permaculture expert, Charlotte Dion, GAL developed the design and layout of the pot gardens to keep the soil nourished, attract pollinating insects and repel unwanted insects. What each plant is doing will be explored and artfully represented. The colors and flavors of the various flowers will also be discussed.

This workshop begins a growing season during which students will be encouraged to keep a garden journal, help harvest the flowers and make collective decisions as to the best use of the bounty—some ideas are to use as garnish in soups and salads, frozen into ice cubes to garnish beverages or make candied petals. The process fosters creativity, teamwork and successful outcomes.

In partnership with the Newburyport Learning Enrichment Center, GAL’s “Flower Power” will take place Monday, April 19th to Friday, April 23rd from noon to 2 p.m. in the Center at 15 Storey Avenue in Newburyport. For more information, please call Nancy Earls, Project Director at (978) 884-1343.