This column is sponsored by Arlington Arts/Arlington Cultural Affairs, a division of Arlington Economic Development.
From roads and housing to light rail, development is booming in Northern Virginia. But what are the impacts of development on the natural environment, particularly the bird population?
The kickoff activation for the Arlington Art Truck’s Fall 2022 Season lets you make a bird sculpture made from native seeds to plant in your garden. Learn about Arlington’s birds and those that are a “species of concern”* by loss of habitat in Flight by Greg Stewart, at various locations through November 5th.
Make & Take: A sculpture in the shape of threatened birds made of native Arlington seeds and clay to plant in a garden. Using sifted soil, stencil on the ground the names of Arlington’s birds.
Meet: Greg Stewart, Virginia based artist and Professor at James Madison University, Naz Anissi, BFA candidate in painting at George Mason University, and a park naturalist from Arlington County’s Conservation and Interpretation Section.
Learn: About birds and trees of Arlington County and the importance of native plants and species.
Learn about Arlington’s birds, and those that are threatened by loss of habitat in Virginia. Artist Greg Stewart and Naz Anissi, a George Mason University student, will be on-hand to facilitate your artmaking. You can select from a library of laser cut names of Arlington’s birds, then stencil them onto the ground with sifted soil and create a bird sculpture using clay and native seeds in the shape of the threatened birds to take and plant.
Our community partner for this project is Arlington County’s Conservation and Interpretation Section, who will offer you information on Arlington’s birds, advice on finding and identifying them, and tips on native plants you can grow in your yard and community. You can find the Arlington Art Truck at the following upcoming activations. For more detailed information, visit www.arlingtonarts.org.
Sunday, October 2: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. — Fairlington Farmers Market, 3308 S Stafford Street
Saturday, November 5: 1-4 p.m. — 50th Birthday Party at Long Branch Nature Center, 625 South Carlin Springs Road