Cornell Cooperative Extension Community Horticulture

Creative ‘Living Sculpture’ Project Engages Cornell Undergraduates in Campus-Community Partnership
A two-semester community-based Living Sculpture project has been growing through the Fall 06 - Spring 07 year. It’s an opportunity for 8 dedicated students to learn an introduction to social science research methods, while working with a NYS community to plan, design and build a living sculpture project. Marcia Eames-Sheavly, Senior Extension Associate in the Department of Horticulture, is the instructor for the project, and describes it as an exciting chance for students to engage in “real” community work.

The students and their site participants are learning about decorative and functional living sculpture projects, from sod furniture to living willow structures and more. Students are facilitating the sessions in which they assist youth and adults in creating their own vision of art and horticulture.

The students come from a number of majors, including plant science, landscape architecture, and natural resources, which adds richness to the teamwork. Sites include the New York School for the Blind, a Rackers Center, and the TRUCE program in Harlem.
Mark Miller, Ph.D., a program evaluation specialist at Ohio State, has been advising students in survey development, participant observations, and other aspects of evaluating the program.

This project will ultimately inform an on-line living sculpture project curriculum. For more information, contact Marcia Eames-Sheavly, me14@cornell.edu .

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