The Rochester Art Center’s new art club, WORK OF eARTh, unites teenagers committed to making a difference in the community. Their mission is to provide a welcoming space for teenagers to have fun while diving into environmental issues affecting the community and the world. Currently partnering with the Sierra Club North Star Chapter organization, the group spreads environmental awareness and takes action through art.
WORK OF eARTh stands out by inviting local artists to teach and introduce their art to the teens. “We really wanted to introduce students to lots of different people who are professional artists but also ways that art can make a difference,” Program Director Carrie Robinson-Cannon said. These local artists are eager to make a difference in the lives of teens by sparking their creativity and showing them how art can create a change.
A club member creates a sign for a city council meeting.
Community involvement is the key. Kieran Kelly, the visionary behind WORK OF eARTh, believes the club introduces young people to “direct action indirectly.” With the support of the Rochester community, teenagers are encouraged to confidently “have passion for the things [they] care about and take part in [their] community.” Kelly emphasizes that this club is more than a space to make art; it is a place to learn how to build connections and take action in the community.
Beyond environmental awareness, the club prioritizes community outreach. “People get so isolated, especially in high school—it’s like this is the entire world—but when you get to learn outside of that classroom, it’s like, okay, the world is bigger, but it’s also smaller,” Kelly explained. The club becomes an outlet for young people to direct their passion and curiosity for fun, art, a future career in art, or a positive impact on the community.
A major upcoming event that the club is working towards is Earthfest, where WORK OF eARTh will host a table displaying the powerful artwork made by the club members. The art will showcase environmental issues in honor of Earth Day.
The new art club in the community connects the young people of Rochester. Sundari Mehta, a club member and a student at Mayo High School, enjoys joining kids from different schools to make art because this club gives younger and older teenagers from all different schools who care about the same thing a chance to join together and make an impact.
Art is an effective way to communicate environmental issues; Kelly notes that, “Art can be anywhere at any time. It can be as spontaneous or as planned as possible. It can say anything you want it to. Maybe it’s just the face of somebody, like with George Floyd being painted everywhere, people know who that is and why that’s up there.” Art can relay a powerful message no matter the time or location.
Although the club is new, it is already making an impact on people. Mehta admits, “[Climate change] can feel really powerless if you feel like you can’t do much or we’re not in a huge position of power to help things, but I think just being able to get in a group of people and talk about it and learn about it—that was something that I really was excited about.”
Kelly explains the importance of focusing on Rochester-specific issues: “If we keep it small and keep it in the community, it will be easier to connect with high schoolers because you’re living here.” A current concern on the group’s radar is the proposed methane plant being built in Rochester. The club will aim to spread awareness to prevent it from being built.
WORK OF eARTh is driven by its members and community to direct discussions and projects. On a wall inside the Rochester Art Center, people in the community write down environmental issues that are important to them:
- Protect wild spaces and endangered species
- Keep our air and water clean
- Keep pressure on politicians and corporations to ensure safe and healthy communities
People in the community write down their environmental concerns.
Recently, artist Devon Hugdahl came in to talk about his work with screen printing and led a mini-workshop. Teens were able to screen print various posters with bright designs and strong statements, a few of which will be showcased during the Earthfest event.
Devon Hugahl and club members use screen-printers to create environmental posters.
With free materials, incredible local artists, and many unique projects coming up, the only thing left to do is join WORK OF eARTh! “Even if you don’t think that you’re an artist or you don’t usually make art, it’s more about making it, spending time with people, and learning about the art center too,” Mehta shares. “I think it’s a great opportunity, and I know it’s new, but I hope we get some more people.”
WORK OF eARTh meets on select Saturdays from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. If you are interested, check the schedule below; then join us on the third floor of the Rochester Art Center, with free ramp parking!
Instagram: @racworkofearth
Photos courtesy of Carrie Robinson-Cannon
