Written by Spring 2025 AFA Intern Anouk Mignon
As a student, I have always seen artistic creation as a refuge: a space to express my emotions, but also to assert my convictions. My internship at Arts For All allowed me to broaden this approach by putting it into practice for a cause: raising ecological awareness, particularly among children.
During my internship at Arts For All, I designed several crafts for young children. The aim was twofold: to stimulate their imaginations while familiarizing them with eco-friendly practices, through the use of simple materials, recycled or collected in nature.
Among these projects, the “Nature Crown” is particularly close to my heart. Using old newspapers, dried leaves, the children were invited to make their own natural crown. This creative time was also an opportunity to reflect on what we can reuse instead of throwing away, and how much we can make with very little.
My approach was inspired by the work of committed artists such as Aurélie Mathigot and Vik Muniz. Both show that artistic creation can give new life to waste but also encourage us to rethink our relationship with matter, consumption and the environment.
These experiences have convinced me that ecological art is not only about choosing the right materials. Above all, it is a way of looking at things, a way of transforming the everyday into an opportunity to question, create and pass on.
To wrap up, I invite you to let your creativity speak for itself, even with the smallest of things. Whether it is transforming objects that would have been thrown away or taking inspiration from nature, every small creative gesture can become a way of caring for our planet.
You can follow along to Anouk’s instructions and make your own Nature Crown! Visit our Fun Craft Friday post on Instagram below:
View this post on Instagram
