Conservation Through Art: BioArt Curiosities Workshop!

Join us on Jan 28th for a workshop opportunity here at JSU! Our very own Allison McElroy, Professor of Painting, will be presenting the Conservation Through Art: BioArt Curiosities Workshop!

This workshop is a hands-on workshop exploring living systems as artistic collaborators. Participants will plant and observe avocado seeds and other plant materials, using care and small interventions as creative acts. Through planting and observation, the workshop considers growth, time, and uncertainty as part of artistic practice. Participants will take their living work home to continue observing its transformation over time.

Allison McElroy is an artist and Professor of Painting at Jacksonville State University who creates work using natural materials gathered from the environment. Inspired by nature as a source of learning, balance, and restoration, her paintings emerge from direct engagement with place. McElroy has completed nature-based artist residencies in Brazil, France, Italy , and throughout the United States. Through her work, she explores conservation as a creative act and nature as both medium and mentor.

The workshop is open to all JSU students, FoVA members, and any members of the community over the age of 18.

Please bring your sketchbooks, drawing supplies, as well as an eagerness to learn and play.

Group size is limited, and advance registration is required. This is a free event. You can register at www.wildal.org! Questions? Reach out to Conservation Through Art Director Janice Barrett janice@wildal.org.

This is a very special opportunity as we work with Wild Alabama to grow a relationship between the arts and conservation.

Hope to see you all there!

Conservation Through Art: BioArt Curiosities Workshop
January 28, 2026
12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Jacksonville State University
Hammond Hall Room 106
Workshop Facilitator: Allison McElroy, Professor of Painting