Northern Michigan University outdoor recreation leadership and management students will share their nature writing and poem projects as part of the annual Pop-Up Art Show at the City of Marquette Arts and Culture Center. An opening reception is scheduled from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7. The exhibit will run through Tuesday, Dec. 12.  

Professor Jacqueline Medina’s leadership through the ages course considers literature, art, music and dance in relation to the outdoors. The nature writing and poem project expresses the students’ connection, experience or perspective on or with nature, leisure and outdoor recreation.

Medina said that the use of art is growing in the field of outdoor recreation and education.

“Articulating the sights, sounds and smells through an artistic medium or written work can give life to that experience and help people form a stronger connection to the environment,” said Medina in a previous press release. “And that in turn might increase their sense of caring and desire to take action to protect the places they’re passionate about.”

In a related project, Medina and North Star Montessori Academy lead teacher Katherine Hargreaves previously received a $500 U.P. Environmental Coalition grant  for a project titled “Winter into Spring: Inquiry and Art in our Local Environment.” Accompanying North Star students on three outdoor outings, Medina’s students implemented and evaluated environmental education lessons that led to nature drawings, discussions and poem creations. The project was presented at the North Country Trail Association annual gathering in Marquette this summer.

The City of Marquette Arts and Culture Center is located in the lower level of the Peter White Public Library. For more information or questions, call 228-0472