Jackson Hole HS: Art and Literature

The week of February 19-23 brought in local seniors from Jackson Hole High School for the Art and Literature program, which has been a tradition at the Teton Science Schools for over 30 years. It is a change from the typical snow science curriculum of winter Residential Eduction programs at the Teton Science Schools Kelly Campus. Instead, the students receive a bound journal, colored pencils, watercolors, and micron pen, and are engaged in activities focused on solo time, journaling, literature from writers such as Aldo Leopold and Barry Lopez, sketching, watercolor painting, drawing, poetry, story-telling, naturalizing, reflection, and sharing their work throughout the week. Morning and evening programs were run by Matt Daly (focusing on writing and literature) and Greg Houda (focusing on art techniques). Field instructors were able to embrace these techniques and journaling skills during field-time skis around campus, and a showshoe at the Bradley/Taggart area. Students also spent an afternoon at the National Museum of Wildlife Art, spending one-on-one time with paintings and sculptures and adding inspiration to their journal work. For Jaime’s teaching team (Kirsten, John, Joel, Colleen, Nancy, Liz H.) it was their last Residential Education teaching week of this semester!

The work these students created in their journals was amazing! They are so talented and were continuously engaged in making the most of this experience as an escape from college applications, school routines, and stresses of senior year. At the end of the week, students created a group book as a reflection of their experience this week, filled with art and writing, and visually represented as a group totem pole. There was also a chance for students to build snow sculptures along the entrance of campus.

Thanks Jackson Hole High School for an inspiring week, and a special thanks and recognition to Matt and Greg as visiting teachers!