Trout in the Classroom: A Journey Through Art and Science
Curated by Jennifer Ripley Stueckle, WVU Teaching Professor, Biology
2024 WVU Art in the Libraries Faculty Exhibit Awardee
The beauty and vitality of the United States' ecosystems come to life in "Trout in the Classroom," an exhibition celebrating the wonder of native species and the educational impact of experiential learning. This exhibition showcases the collaborative efforts of local schools, community volunteers, and university students in exploring the life cycle of rainbow trout through quilts, paintings, prints, and photographic documentation of the project process.
Paintings
Created by North Elementary School’s fourth-grade class in Morgantown, students embarked on a colorful journey through the world of trout and aquatic ecosystems. Guided by university students from WVU's General Biology program, participating schools delved into the intricate web of life within freshwater ecosystems. Through field trips, read-aloud events, and hands-on tank maintenance, students gained a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of nature and their role in its preservation. With a palette of primary colors and imagination, these young artists explored themes ranging from the intricate food web to the profound impact of human activities on the environment. Their vibrant paintings, originally displayed in the halls of the Life Sciences Building since 2020, offer a visual narrative of ecological interconnectedness and the importance of conservation efforts.
Quilts
First grade students from Mountainview Elementary created quilt patches. Under the guidance of dedicated teachers and community volunteers, each student contributed a unique square, illustrating various stages of the rainbow trout's life cycle. From eggs to fingerlings, these quilts weave together a tapestry of discovery and creativity. Funded by the Women of WVU Enrichment Fund grant, these quilts serve as a testament to the power of hands-on education and community collaboration.
Prints
Complementing the tactile warmth of quilts and the visual splendor of paintings, prints provide a snapshot of scientific inquiry and environmental stewardship. In partnership with the Art Museum of WVU and the School of Art and Design’s printmaking program, students at North, Mountainview and Mason Dixon Elementary schools participated in observational drawing workshops, in which they used artistic strategies to document the trout in their classroom. Each student made an individual drawing that was then scanned and transferred to a printing screen. During the Monongalia County-wide release event in May, students learned the technique of screen printing by making their class print.