Seeds of Change

Seeds of Change by Kaitlin Pomerantz and Beverly Fisher was one of two botanical arts installations that kicked off the Environmental Justice Initiative. Pomerantz led teens from Mastery Charter enrolled in Mural Arts Art Education Program in a two-part botanical arts investigation, culminating in the creation of a field guide to local urban flora and a self-seeding wheat paste installation on the facade of their school. For the field guide, Pomerantz first led students on plant identification treks, teaching them about the uses and significances of the wild urban flora. From their findings, students created botanical illustrations and information charts. Using hand-binding techniques, as well as handmade paper that the students made, the class compiled their work into a limited edition of local field guides.

Pomerantz also led students in making paper– from local plants (mugwort) as well as trash paper– for a time-based, seed-dispersing mural installation. The group first created a colorful array of papers, which they embedded with wildflower seeds. They then cut the paper into shapes inspired by their botanical studies– seed forms, flowers, petals, leaves. Finally, Pomerantz wheat pasted these shapes in dispersal patterns to one of the school facades. When the shapes peel off, they will fall to newly-cleared soil, and embed themselves into a self-generating garden, apparently by magic.

Community and school volunteers participated at key intervals providing support and feedback in the development of the projects.

The project is part of Room for Growth, a beautification and environmental interpretation project in West Philadelphia that highlights the connection between nature and the healing, transformative power of education. Based in the visioning process of youth, community, and educators the project was conceptualized to bring learning and growth to the neighborhood through connecting to and transforming the environment. Through interviewing, community events, and youth art education classes, artists have developed three booklets of community ideas, input, stories, and art. This material has acted as a primary source for five mural series, greening efforts, and an etched concrete playground and spray park at the Conestoga Recreation Center.