This project advocates creativity, sustainability and collaboration through art creation in ACE events. Nature-Art is a community- based art project which is promoting sustainable and safe art practices. The fundamental reason for establishing this ACE project is to increase the environmental awareness and appreciation through arts within our community. It is a community event where we welcome local people in neighborhood, family and friends across different age groups to create artworks together with the inspiration from beautiful nature in the botanical garden in our living areas. The community based art has significant contribution to the cultural and social development within community. During the art making process, our community members are provided opportunity to share information about their culture, art experiences, beliefs as well as their artistic knowledge and skills with others. A feeling of unity will arise when community members work collaboratively toward a common purpose or goals through the shared activities (Adejumo, 2000). Within community based art, people can inspire each other in the collaborative process which is one of the wonderful things about being in a learning community.
Using natural resources in creating artwork is essential for building a strong relationship with environment. The environment is a powerful source of inspiration to various artists around the world. There are different artists who have been creating fabulous artworks that inspired by nature such as Mandala art by Kathy Klein, Andy Goldworthy, Aboriginal Rock art as well as our community artist. Natural art resources could strengthen knowledge through the use of multiple senses such as sights, hearing, smell, taste and touch to explore a range of ideas, techniques and experiences (Gooley,2014). Nature-Art events help people to see and internalize detail in the world around them. Through art, it supports participants to develop understanding of shape, texture and colour, line and space, all the basic composition. Therefore, they are able to make a meaningful connection and engagement with environment while making arts.
Art is positioned as a medium to provide our community to engage with art, environment and culture in Nature-Art Project. This project also offers great opportunities for our community members to establish closer relationship between one another while making arts. People come to share their ideas and creativity through ACE events which is significant in bonding relationships within our community in a meaningful way.