Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge /// Photo by Kimberly Cooke

Ogden Museum of Southern Art and Pontchartrain Conservancy have partnered to offer students in grades 4-12 the two-part STEAM virtual tour, “The Art of Walter Anderson: Marshland Flora and Fauna.”

Part 1 (Ogden Museum): Students explore Walter Anderson’s watercolor works illustrating animals and plants. Anderson is a Southern artist who spent many hours observing, sketching and painting the natural world. Students create their own sketchbook and practice drawing skills, investigating various motifs.

Part 2 (Pontchartrain Conservancy): Science educators lead a live streamed trip to the marsh, allowing students to draw plants and animals from direct observation and create their own field guide. Issues of coastal land loss and the importance of ecosystems are discussed.

Walter Anderson, Frogs, Bugs, and Flowers, 1945, Watercolor on paper

“Our goal is always to be good neighbors and collaborate with other local nonprofits making a difference in the lives of our students and in our community,” says Ellen Balkin, Director of Education, Ogden Museum. “We are so excited to partner with Pontchartrain Conservancy on this virtual tour that incorporates the disciplines of art and science and offers a unique set of learning experiences for students.”

“Environmental stewardship is central to Pontchartrain Conservancy’s mission,” says Kimberly Cooke, Education Coordinator, Pontchartrain Conservancy. “This program has given us a valuable opportunity to foster that stewardship by partnering with an exceptional organization which promotes Southern artists like Walter Anderson. Anderson’s art has inspired interest in coastal treasures that are threatened by the environmental crisis of coastal land loss here in Louisiana.”

STEAM Education is an approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics as the basis for guiding student inquiry, dialogue and developing critical thinking. STEAM fields of study all involve creative processes and none uses just one method for inquiry and investigation. Incorporating STEAM disciplines into a curriculum results in students who take thoughtful risks, engage in experiential learning, persist in problem-solving, embrace collaboration and work through the creative process – all important 21st century skills.

Interested in learning more? Contact education@ogdenmuseum.org.

Learn More About Ogden Museum's Offerings for Educators Learn about Pontchartrain Conservancy