The Creative Canopy: Art and Sustainability in Puerto Rico’s Rainforest
Welcome to Artists at Las Casas de la Selva, where creativity, sustainability, and ecological stewardship converge in exciting new projects. This initiative, born from decades of dedication to sustainable forestry and education, invites artists, writers, and creators to explore the intersection of art and nature in the heart of Puerto Rico’s tropical rainforest.
We proudly salute the recent completion by four artists in July 2024 of the ‘Forest products and wood artist residency’ at Las Casas de la Selva, Patillas, Puerto Rico, in collaboration with Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña. This one-month residency stands as a beacon of hope and innovation, a testament to the power of collaboration across disciplines. From wood products to ecological artworks, this residency encouraged hands-on experience with locally sourced materials, encouraging innovation and reducing reliance on imported exotic woods. It illustrated how art, science, and sustainable forestry can come together to protect and enrich our natural world.
Front L-R: Raquel Torres Arzola (Curator), 3t Vakil (Project Director), Eduardo Benavent (artist), Back L-R: Javier Otero (artist), Michael Caslin (scientist ), Gaby Sánchez Deniza (artist), Rodrigo Zapata Luna (artist). July 2024
First Artist residency at Las Casas de la Selva. Thanks to Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña, Institute of Ecotechnics, October Gallery, London, and Puerto Rico Hardwoods, Inc.
Final catalog will soon be published.
At Las Casas de la Selva, artists have the unique opportunity to collaborate with scientists, foresters, and conservationists, creating work that reflects not only the beauty of the forest but also the urgent need for sustainable practices. Whether through fine-arts, writing, performance, or environmental design, the possibilities here are endless. Join us in this creative journey, where art becomes a powerful tool for promoting environmental sustainability and a deeper connection to the natural world.
Nature Inspired Art Classes at Las Casas de la Selva with 3t Vakil
