PROJECT #62: ART MATTERS SYMPOSIUM
Education & Awareness
March 22, 2025 | Allendale, MI | Grand Valley State University
1
River Hero, Guy Riefler, lead a panel discussion about the impacts of art on sustainability
2
Rivers are Life films highlighted River Hero projects around the world
22,000
people were invited to engage in panel discussions
ART SYMPOSIUM HIGHLIGHTS SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES
On March 27, 2025 we had the great privilege of attending the Art Matter’s Symposium on the campus of Grand Valley State University in Michigan. Two of our films, The Conservation Kid and Toxic Art, were screened for participating students and faculty.
It was an awesome opportunity to interact with the students and faculty of GVSU. The session lasted all day and was part of a much larger initiative that the University was spearheading. Their goal is to engage with students across all disciplines and academic specialties to drive engagement around our collective impact on the environment.
HIGHLIGHTING THE CONSERVATION KID
In an interactive morning session led by Rivers are Life's Mark Fellwock, we screened The Conservation Kid, led a demonstration on of how to make a monofilament bin and held a Q&A session with the attendees. Great questions drove deep conversation around the role of awareness and collective action when it comes to conservation. Plus, educators attending the event were given the opportunity to download our educational lesson plan, geared at grades K-12, that accompanies the film.
HIGHLIGHTING TOXIC ART
In the afternoon session we showcased our film, Toxic Art and had the privilege of being joined by Guy Riefler, Professor of Civil Engineering, highlighted in the film. Guy, along with 4 other panel members, then held a Q&A discussing the impacts that art can have on bringing awareness to specific issues and again how it can have an impact on driving collective action.
We’re looking forward to joining the team and GVSU next year to continue these meaningful conversations!
PROJECT GALLERY
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS
"Wanting to show the film Toxic Art as part of programming for Climate Matters: Our Changing and Resilient Planet was the seed that grew our entire interdisciplinary symposium. It was important to incorporate various artforms, including filmmaking, to showcase the various ways that people from different fields can come together to find creative solutions to water preservation and conservation. We wanted to create connections between our students, faculty, and staff with organizations outside of GVSU to grow new networks of opportunity and hope that meaningful relationships will come out of our event."
Jessica Sundstrom
Learning and Outreach Manager, Art Museum,
Grand Valley State University
"At Rivers are Life, we believe that engaging with students through educational events is essential to inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards. These opportunities allow us to share our mission while learning from the fresh perspectives and passion that GVSU students bring to the table."
Mark Fellwock
COO, Rivers are Life
