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Join Melinda Myers, Assistant Professor of Contemporary Dance and Choreography, for a fun Prompt for the Planet workshop that lets you connect with nature through art! Whether you're an experienced artist or just starting to dip your toes into the world of creativity, this workshop is open to all skill levels.

Space is limited!  Please register at https://uiowa.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5tmleArm2C7Lnds

What to Expect:

• Guided Exploration - Professor Myers will help you explore the voice of a natural element of your choosing.
• Giving Voice - She'll share ideas and examples of how you can use a variety of art forms (e.g., performance art, visual art, creative writing) to give voice to your chosen element.
• Art Making - Basic art supplies (paper, pencils, paints, and brushes) will be provided to help you express your element's voice.  Feel free to bring your own art supplies as well. 

Who Should Join:

• Art Fans - If you love art, this is for you!
• Nature Lovers - Show your love for the planet in a creative way!
• Curious Minds - Anyone who wants to explore our planet through art.

Background Information:

In 2018, University of Iowa student Shannon Nolan and her instructor David Gould set out to ask young people to lend their voices to the Earth. To put words to their vision, Gould asked inaugural poet Amanda Gorman to create a prompt for the rising generations. This small collaboration grew into the global initiative it is today: Prompt for the Planet. Now, individuals, classes, and other groups nation-wide are responding to Amanda’s question, thus, giving voice to the planet at this critical moment in history.

The Prompt:

“Think of one element and speak in its voice through pictures and words.

• What would the fires raging in California say to the world?
• What would the wind from Hurricane Maria demolishing Puerto Rico sound like?
• What does freshly fallen rain on a state in drought feel and taste like through poetry? Love? Relief?

Think of it as creating an open letter from the planet.”

Can't Attend the Workshop?  You can still respond the the prompt!  Learn more below.

There is power in a united voice, and we invite you to share your answers and join the movement.  Respond to Amanda’s prompt. We encourage you to be as reflective and creative as possible, (e.g., produce a drawing or photograph, write a poem or short story, create a short video, or any other form of artistic expression to represent your answer. There is no “wrong way” to answer the prompt).

View the gallery for examples if you don’t know where to begin.

Submit your answer — and if available, an accompanying image, video, or other media via the prompt website.