A unique program called Environmental Science Through Art (ESTA) is giving Latinx high school students in the Salinas Valley a chance to engage with science in an unconventional way: through art. The initiative, run by CSU Monterey Bay graduate students and the non-profit Artist INK, allows students to learn environmental science and creatively express their knowledge, culminating in art pieces rather than exams.
One recent project saw students complete a mural at McKinnon Elementary School, overlooking Salinas’ vast strawberry fields. The artwork, which illustrates the impact of pesticides on local agriculture, features hands holding fresh vegetables surrounded by depictions of “good” and “bad” bugs. “There’s a story being told here,” said David Tapia, ESTA’s program manager, highlighting the mural’s message of balance and community health.
Since its inception three years ago, ESTA has used a variety of mediums—from stop-motion videos to puppet shows—to address pressing issues like microplastics and climate change. The goal, according to Artist INK founder Emily Ortiz Morales, is to empower young leaders to raise awareness and pursue careers in both the arts and STEM fields. One student, Paulina Cortez, now aspires to a STEM career focused on reducing environmental harm.
The program’s future is uncertain due to its reliance on grant funding. Yet, its impact is clear: ESTA is pioneering a new model for combining science and art education in agricultural communities, sparking creative engagement and inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards. An exhibition showcasing students’ work will be presented to the public in the coming months, celebrating their achievements and the potential for continued innovation in this interdisciplinary approach.
Source: KCBX News
