Living Soil Eco-Art Project - Armenia Exhibition
Eco-art exhibition in Armenia featuring American artists using soil-based materials to raise environmental awareness.
The 'Living Soil' project was an ecological art exhibition held in Armenia that featured American artists, including several local Minnesota artists. The project was organized by installation artist Pamela Thompson from Goucher College in Maryland, who collaborated with St. Peter photographer Cheryl Casteen. The exhibition utilized natural materials, particularly soil, as its central theme to raise awareness about environmental problems involving the complex ecosystem of vital minerals, organic matter, air and water. Prior to the exhibition, organizers put out a call for artists to submit works inspired by soil or related environmental topics. The project accepted various forms of artistic expression including visual art, poetry, prose, and music from American artists. Local artists who participated included Charlie Putnam, Michelle Kaisersatt, Ann Johnson, Shelly Caldwell, Emily Kretschmer, Keith Luebke, and others. The exhibition also incorporated soil scientist Beth Fisher's work with soil-derived paints, demonstrating innovative artistic techniques using natural earth materials. Casteen created an installation called 'Resilience' in Armenia's capital as part of the collaboration. The project emphasized international artistic collaboration and environmental consciousness through creative expression.