Public Workshops & Art Experiments—Mid January 2019

February 10, 2019

During my Fulbright stay in Taiwan, I offered a few activities besides university teaching to engage the public with my project about human-bird imagery and connect it with environmental concerns. At Chi-Nan University in Nantou I gave a slide talk about my artwork and my Taiwan research to students and professors, including ideas for how to get more involved in the community. And at two wonderful nearby institutions, Kuandu Museum of Fine Arts and Guandu Nature Park, I led hands-on workshops for volunteers to make sculptures from common recycled materials.

Real Birds — December 2018

December 12, 2018

While not a serious bird watcher, I’ve been fortunate to witness some of Taiwan’s endemic and migratory birds. When I applied for my Fulbright project, I knew Taiwan was a mecca for live birds as well as bird art, and Guandu especially was a prime location.

Students view artwork at Guandu Nature Park by Mexican artist Lua Rivera

Environmental Art Team — November 2018

November 17, 2018

My students and I have been exploring contemporary environmental sculpture—meaning conservation-minded in subject, intention, materials. We looked at inspiring images and visited the wonderful Guandu Nature Park nearby our campus.