Most people who have seen Andy Goldsworthy’s sculptural art have probably seen it only in photographs as he works primarily with organic materials and environments, which are ephemeral by their very nature. Using twigs, stones, icicles, and even natural pigments he grinds, Goldsworthy creates incredible manipulations of the natural world which highlight the subtle beauty and elegance inherent in everything around us. He frequently tempts the inevitable tides of rivers by placing his fragile sculptures in the path of the water’s flow. Goldsworthy explains that it is what happens after he does his part that is the true art–the changes and evolution spurred on by the environment. The sixth graders watched Rivers and Tides, a documentary on Goldsworthy’s art and process, and marveled as carefully constructed stone towers became submerged and stick sculptures were swept into the ocean. We discussed the purpose of environmental art and Goldsworthy’s reasons for creating such short-lived masterpieces. The students then went out into Unquowa’s fields and forest and worked in pairs to create their own environmental works of art. View the students’ incredible gallery below, and keep your eyes peeled the next time you venture outdoors…there is much beauty to be seen, especially if you take the time to stop and look at the possibilities.