Leaf art teaches the nature of plants

By Justin Seward - Lethbridge Herald on September 7, 2022.

The Galt Museum hosted a Leaf Art and Hands-on History of the plant organ presentation on Saturday.

“Nature is really important and it’s been fun for me to be able merge the two of learning about history, learning about nature and having it all happen at the same time,” said Kristin Krein, Galt Museum community programmer.

“So today we’re doing leaf art. So I got a bunch of leaves from like native species and non-native species and just identifying, adding that science element mixed with art. I’m really excited because identifying plants, especially understanding that plants are more than just resources. You can have relationships with them, you understand the indigenous significance to them and it’s fun to see all the different ages and what they know.”

Participants learned that a plants leaves are their powerhouses.

“They’re the solar panel, they’re the one making the food,” she said.

“But it’s also nice to think about how we need plants and oxygen. We would not be alive if we didn’t have them and at the same time they’re seen very much as maybe a natural resource or something humans can consume. I always want to make sure that we understand that we have a relationship to them and that they’re not just for consumption … and to like think of them outside of just for us as really nice opportunity to grow.”

Common types of leaves in Lethbridge include willow, cottonwood, maple, lilac, oak, juniper and chokecherry.

Tree leaves can be classified into broad leaves and narrow leaves.

Broad leaves are wider, can have a visible network of veins and found on deciduous trees.

Narrow leaves, which are sometimes called needles, are thinner and have fewer veins and found on coniferous trees.

“We’re really happy that the Galt puts on programs like this,” said Jon Vander Griend, who attended with his family.

“Kids really enjoyed the programming today. It was really educational, but also great it was so hands on for the kids.”

The hour session was about identifying leaves, painting leaves and doing a print on a canvas with them.

“And honestly there’s so many types of leaves and it’s funny to hear the stories along with them of the different bugs that are released in my car and what can you eat, what can’t you eat, what are the stories people tell,” said Krein.

The leaf art and hands on history is a branch off of the current exhibit of Rooted: How Trees Give us Life.

The leaf art and hands-on history happens twice a month on every other Saturday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.