So when Craig Roland posed the question on Art Education 2.0, “How might we use art or design to promote a healthy environment and a peaceful, sustainable world?” the work of environmental artists came to our mind.

In response to Craig’s question, we at The Teaching Palette created a Google Earth application that highlights environmental art on every continent. The art and artists featured were chosen based on environmental impact at various locations around the world.

The Environmental Art Around Google Earth application is not a direct answer to the question; instead it is a compilation of many answers as a global tour of environmental artists with Google Earth.

So explore art and artists from around the world as they show you how to use art/design to promote a healthy environment and a peaceful, sustainable world.

Below is a video to help introduce you to the Environmental Artists Around Google Earth application and explains how to use it.

(Have trouble viewing this video? Try this link. If your school blocks YouTube try this iweb link.)

If you do not have Google Earth on your computer or need to upgrade to the newest version of Google Earth, click here.

**Download the Environmental Art Google Earth file as illustrated in video above.

Now that you’ve explored the environmental artist globe on Google Earth how can you utilize it in your classroom?

• Use Google Earth to introduce a specific artist, environmental art movement or culture.
• Use as an extension for early finishers to introduce them to artists from around the world.
• Introduce a specific artist such as Andy Goldsworthy. Give a group of students a digital camera, have them collect a variety of natural objects, arrange them in an interesting composition and then photograph their Goldsworthy-inspired art.
• Print images and have students write about their experience.

Explore the blogs participating in “Green Friday” by clicking on the links below.

• The Art Teacher’s Guide to the Internet with Craig Roland
• Blissful Thoughts with Chan Bliss
• The Carrot Revolution with David Gran
• Jean Fitz’s Weblog
• Learning IT with Frank Curkovic

Well, we have our own “Best of 2008” list according to The Art Teacher’s Guide To The Internet authored by Craig Roland.

Craig’s Best of 2008 list for art educators includes: Ed.Voicethread as Best New Web Tool for Education; Jason Polan as Best New Drawing Blog; Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson as Best New Art Resource; The Teaching Palette as Best New Art Teachers Blog; and many others.  Check out Craig’s full Best of 2008 list.

We are extremely honored to be part of Craig’s Best of 2008 list.  Coming from a veteran art educator, author and tech guru, that means a lot to us.  Thanks, Craig!