AAAS Video Project

By Sommer Thacker and Aunjel Safford

Sustainability

By Sydni King and Celine St. Claire

Ever growing and forever
knowing
The color of my skin will always
be whom I am
within...
And so, I smile and grin
in the face of adversity
Stand tall like the trees in the
Garden of Eden
For my creator has made
no mistake on me nor the world
he has planted me in

Artist Bio

Sydney Simone King (she/her)
Humanities Pre-Law (2026)

How do you see art connected to nature?
Art is connected to nature because nature has long inspired artists. The beauty of the natural world often inspires and evokes feelings of wonder, which artists have tried to encapsulate throughout history.

What inspired you to create your piece?
When I created my piece I was walking outside in the botanical garden for inspiration. I took a deep breath and just started to write. At the time, I didn't know it would turn out so well.

Why is it important to be represented in nature and outdoor venues?
I think when making an outdoor venue, you have to maintain simplicity and original beauty. Nature doesn't need to be enhanced or altered by AI; nature is beautiful by itself.

Untitled

By Chucks Uwaje and David Walton

In the botanical Gardens, we find solace,

A sanctuary with sustainability and self-embrace.

Meditation allows us to connect,

With nature's harmony and our own introspect.

As we sit among the plants, we find peace,

Consenting to be a community, our worries cease.

Together, we support and thrive,

A testament to the beauty of being alive.

Artist Bio

Chucks Uwaje (he/him)
Human Biology (2025)

When I discuss the link between art and nature, I think they build off each other. Artists can draw inspiration from nature and can be inspired by the varying forms, colors, and themes present. Art in a natural environment brings accessibility to an audience and strengthens community ties. An outdoor setting can offer areas for reflection, rest, and self-analysis, all of which enhance one’s wellbeing. I chose to write a poem about the botanical gardens providing solace because I believe the peace of nature can bring comfort in the face of chaos. The gardens are a tranquil sanctuary offering comfort, renewal and serenity, which can promote an awareness within ourselves and remind us of what we hold dear. We can mold awesome experiences that can lift our spirits, strengthen our environmental connection and motivate us to action.

In Light of our Roots

By Breanna Jean Paul and Shania Wren

Beneath Michigan's skies, where
spirits entwine,
W.J. Beal's Garden, a sacred design.
African American spirituality, roots
run deep,
In each leaf and bloom, ancient
stories seep.
Nature's cathedral, where souls find
reprieve,
In vibrant hues, faith and history
weave.
In this haven of growth, culture
takes flight,
Michigan State's garden, a symbol
of light.

Artist Bio

Shania Wren (she/hers)
Criminal Justice and Psychology (2025)

How do you see art connected to nature?
Since art comes in many different forms, it can do many different things for nature. In some cases, it can be giving nature almost a voice and deeper meaning, or maybe even simply allow us an eternal look at its beauty.

What inspired you to create your piece?
The initial inspiration to create this piece was of course the Beal Garden and our value of "spirituality." When we talk about African American and African history, we typically always refer to our roots, that alone was a great start to be able to connect our piece to the garden. Nature is all around us, but it’s also something that’ll be around much longer than us.

Why is it important to be represented in nature and outdoor venues?
Many outdoor venues also have a meaningful history for certain groups of people, so making a connection and ensuring representation now is extremely important so that history isn’t forgotten or ignored.

Music Playlist: I Am Light

Compiled by Miselo "Missy" Chola and Ciera Wells

Artist Bios

Miselo "Missy" Chola (she/hers)
Major: Criminal Justice. Minor: African American and African Studies

How do you see art connected to nature?
Nature is art within itself, nature is the true form of art. When you look at art you feel a sense of calmness and your aura changes. 

What inspired you to create your piece?
My partner and I are both artists in many different ways and one thing that we connected on was music. Going through hard times, bad days, stressful college nights, one of the first things you think about is slapping your headphones on and getting your mind back to that sense of ease. What better way to do that than to be connected with nature?

Why is it important to be represented in nature and outdoor venues?
It's important because we have nothing without nature. Everything goes back to nature and it’s important to highlight that and this is a way for us students, staff, and visitors to connect back to roots and enjoy the energy it brings.

Ciera Wells (she/hers)
Animal Science

How do you see art connected to nature?
Nature is a sensational experience and beautiful thing given to us. As an artist, you see these beautiful things and get inspired, produce these beautiful things, produce these beautiful thoughts just by being outside. 

What inspired you to create your piece?
My partner and I are both artists in many different ways and one thing that we connected on was music. Going through hard times, bad days, stressful college nights, one of the first things you think about is slapping your headphones on and getting your mind back to that sense of ease. What better way to do that than to be connected with nature?

Why is it important to be represented in nature and outdoor venues?
It's important because we have nothing without nature. Everything goes back to nature and it’s important to highlight that and this is a way for us students, staff, and visitors to connect back to roots and enjoy the energy it brings.

Flexibility Cards

By Kaden Johnson and Kayla Dunham

This project is a physical sign installation in the Beal Botanical Garden. These are examples of the signs that were printed. We hope you visit the garden and see them in person!

Artist Bios

Kaden Johnson (he/him)

Major: Economics  Minor: Resource Management (2026)

How do you see art connected to nature?
I believe that art is connected to nature because they both imitate a story in their respective ways. When I look at art paintings or drawings, there is always an underlying meaning or story behind the art from the artist. Much like art, nature also tells its own story growing through different cycles and phases as the weather changes. Every painting has a story, so does every leaf, tree and roots planted beyond nature. 

What inspired you to create your piece?
What inspired my partner Kayla and I to create this piece for our AAAS 100 course was our reflection of black history from the works of black activists, artists, and influential figures who have contributed to the holistic betterment and success of black people as a whole.

Kayla Dunham (she/hers)

Major: Kinesiology  Minor: African American and African Studies (2026)

How do you see art connected to nature?
I believe that art and nature are intricately connected, intertwining to inspire and evoke profound emotions within us. As someone who considers themselves an artist, I find solace and inspiration in the beauty of natural landscapes, capturing their essence through my chosen medium. Through artwork, I aim to convey the awe and wonder I experience when immersed in nature, inviting viewers to connect with the environment on a deeper level. 

What inspired you to create your piece?
The inspiration behind our creation for the AAAS 100 course project stemmed from a deep contemplation of black history, drawing insights from the endeavors of black activists, artisans, and luminaries whose contributions have significantly propelled the collective advancement and prosperity of the black community.