As an artist you have have the talent and opportunities to do this through your art. If you are especially concerned or simply want to find new ways to share your nature-inspired art, you’ll appreciate this article that provides opportunities for artists who care about nature and the environment.
Although April 22 is declared as “Earth Day” for many of us this topic is a major concern 365 days a year. Our question should be how can we turn our attention to what we can do to protect our natural world? How can we make a positive difference?
Use Eco-Friendly Art Supplies
Natural Art Supplies naturalartsupplies.com is a company whose mission is to provide the safest and the finest art products for babies, children and adults. “We source art products and curate a collection that is natural, organic, green, fair trade, eco-friendly or carries a social mission.” The company was inspired by the founder’s late older brother Nik who was a visual artist and a pioneer in the organic health food industry, who had “a passion for art and for a healthy, organic, natural way of life.”
You can shop on their website or ask for a catalog. One item that caught my interest is The Complete Eco-friendly Artists Oil Paint Kit, described as “Paint like the historic Masters did with pure, natural from the earth and mineral oil paints. These are safe and naturally non-toxic paints and will create the most durable, ultra violet resistant, archival and radiant artist paints in the world today.”
Natural Art Supplies also supports the Rain Forest Foundation and the Narada Michael Walden Foundation to empower children through the arts.
Exhibit Your Environmentally Themed Artwork
The Schuylkill Center schuylkillcenter.org is one of the first urban environmental education centers in the country, with 340 acres of fields, forests, ponds, and streams in northwest Philadelphia. Its mission is to inspire meaningful connections between people and nature. “We use our forests and fields as a living laboratory to foster appreciation, deepen understanding, and encourage stewardship of the environment.”
The Center accepts submissions of environmentally themed artwork on an ongoing basis. Artists are given the opportunity to display outdoor installations as well as apply for indoor gallery exhibitions that are curated by the environmental art program staff, with occasional visiting curators and/or organizations.
If you are interested in applying for an exhibition, be prepared to supply a statement of how your work responds to the environment and nature. If you want to submit your idea for an outdoor installation, you are expected to provide examples of your past work which relate to your proposed project.
For more information about these opportunities and steps on application requirements visit schuylkillcenter.org
Send A Proposal to Earth Celebrations
Earth Celebrations earthcelebrations.com is dedicated to engaging communities to affect ecological and social issues through the arts. A cultural and climate action project, it engages the Lower East Side community of NYC, NY through creative strategies. The initiative addresses a broad range of climate change issues through programs that include theatrical pageants, exhibitions, performances, art workshops, and more. You can also join them on Facebook along with 4,000 other environmentally conscious people EarthCelebrations.
Earth Celebrations has an open call for artists, dancers, performers, musicians and poets to present and collaborate with community, creating artistic works, exploring climate resiliency, water, and ecological sustainability. You are invited to send a proposal and links to past works related to ecological sustainability and themes.
Check Out Exhibition Venues
The Climate Museum climatemuseum.org is a public landmark in NYC, NY whose mission is to employ the sciences, art, and design to inspire dialogue and innovation that address the challenges of climate change. It will serve as a hub for education, leadership, and civic engagement, bringing people together to move toward climate solutions.
Art for Wildlife Galleries artforwildlife.com is a World Class Environmental Art Gallery established in 1994 in Coronado, California. It was founded on the belief in the purity and sanctity of animals and the natural world as subject matter for Art. The gallery features representations of our natural world, expressed in paintings and giclees, cast bronze sculptures, art glass, refined metal wall sculpture, underwater photo panoramas, Oaxacan wood carvings, and more.
Exhibitions Inspired by Nature
The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS website presents exhibitions devoted to art inspired by nature.
“The Healing Power of Art Inspired by Nature” 2024 took place from September 29 – December 2, 2024. It featured art by members from The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS Online Gallery, Manhattan Arts International Online Gallery, and Featured Artists from our Art Reviews.
“The Healing Power of Elements: Earth, Water, Air & Fire” exhibition was on view September 4 – November 4, 2023. It featured 75 artists. The superior works of art on view revealed the many physical aspects of the four elements in addition to their emotive, symbolic, and healing qualities. View art from this exhibition.
The Purpose of “The Healing Power of ART Inspired by NATURE” ~ January 1 – March 1, 2023 exhibition, curated to promote more than 90 artists who are creating nature-inspired art and raise awareness about the importance of caring for nature. The exhibition included the best nature-inspired art in all styles and mediums — painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, mixed media, collage, printmaking, digital art, and art made with recycled materials. Learn more.
I had the pleasure of also serving as the curator of “The Healing Power of ART In Honor of Nature”, May 20, 2021 – July 20, 2021, on The Healing Power of ART &ARTISTS website. The purpose was to promote extraordinary nature-inspired artists and raise awareness about biodiversity and honoring and preserving our natural resources. Art by 75 artists was selected for this exhibition. You can learn more about the exhibition here.
I had the pleasure of serving as the curator of “Our Bond With Nature” on The Healing Power of ART &ARTISTS website. This exhibition which ran from October 25 – December 25, 2018 introduced the work of many artists from around the world who are responding to their concern about climate change and other ecological crises. We shared and promoted important and inspirational art in all mediums. You can view some of the art here.
Light, Space Time Theme Exhibitions
Light Space Time Online Art Gallery lightspacetime.art is an online gallery that presents Annual “Nature” Online Art Competitions. The gallery encourages entries from artists from around the world. Each month the online gallery offers a new theme.
Quote About Artists’ Relationship With Nature
Here’s an inspirational quote by Odilon Redon about the artist’s relationship with nature: “The artist submits from day to day to the fatal rhythm of the impulses of the universal world which encloses him, continual centre of sensations, always pliant, hypnotized by the marvels of nature which he loves, he scrutinizes. His eyes, like his soul, are in perpetual communion with the most fortuitous of phenomena.”
You May Also Want to Read
“Celebrate Your Love For Nature ~ Inspirational Art & Quotes”
“Are Your Art Materials Making You Sick?”
“Resources to Protect Artists’ Health and Safety”
Thank you for the informative article, it is wonderful to hear what is happening in the U.S. as most of my information comes from New Zealand and Australia. I appreciate the links to the various websites – you do an amazing job of keeping us connected and supported as a collective group of artists. I love being part of a global community and being an Artist Showcase Member of Manhattan Arts International. A concise and inspiring read as always Renee.
Andrea, I appreciate your kind words in support of my writing. I am very honored that you are a Manhattan Arts International Artist Showcase member. Every time I view your art I feel a surge of pure joy. You are an excellent artist with a distinctive artistic vision that originates from authenticity and desire to bring hope and healing to others. Thank you!