Belmont University Class Creates Sky Island Art

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Illustration of Mt. Wrightson in the Santa Ritas by Julia Bass.
Illustration of Mt. Wrightson in the Santa Ritas by Julia Bass.

Guest blog by Dan Brawner, associate professor of Design & Illustration at Belmont University’s Watkins College of Art

Inspired by conversations with Sarah J. Love, who gave a Coffee Break talk in November 2023 and who also happens to be my niece, I was recently introduced to Sky Island Alliance and their work in southern Arizona and northern Sonora. Impressed by the mission to protect and preserve these unique ecosystems, and intrigued by their poetic name, I was motivated to learn more and hopefully create an opportunity for my students.

As a practicing artist, illustrator, and educator, I’ve found enormous value in extending the educational experience beyond the classroom, enabling students to assist others with their work. Thanks to the expertise and enthusiastic participation of Love and SIA’s Program Director Emily Burns, we created a research-based, nature-focused assignment “to protect and restore wild lands, wildlife, and waters” through the power of art.

Thirteen talented students crafted thoughtful illustrations, as you can see in this blog, and we (non-scientists) learned a lot together. The collaboration was meaningful on many levels and included student presentations and feedback from both Love and Burns. We look forward to more partnerships with SIA in the future, as well as opportunities for our students to put their art to work engaging others.

Illustration of flora and fauna by Sophie Elizondo.
Illustration of flora and fauna by Sophie Elizondo.
Illustration of the Patagonia Mountains by Sophie Elizondo.
Illustration of the Patagonia Mountains by Sophie Elizondo.
Illustration of Santa Catalina Mountains by MyKel Harris.
Illustration of the Santa Catalina Mountains by MyKel Harris.
Illustration of flora and fauna by Julia Hart.
Illustration of flora and fauna by Julia Hart.
Illustration of Santa Catalina Mountains by Julia Hart.
Illustration of the Santa Catalina Mountains by Julia Hart.
Illustration of the Bacadehuachi Mountains by Charlie Hartrich.
Illustration of the Bacadehuachi Mountains by Charlie Hartrich.
Illustration of flora and fauna by Michael Jahn.
Illustration of flora and fauna by Michael Jahn.
Illustration of Sierra Los Ajos by Michael Jahn.
Illustration of the Sierra Los Ajos by Michael Jahn.
Illustration of flora and fauna by Ash Matuszak.
Illustration of the Whetstone Mountains by Ash Matuszak.
Illustration of Whetstone Mountains by Ash Matuszak.
Illustration of bats in the Whetstone Mountains by Ash Matuszak.
Illustration of gray fox by Savannah Mayfield.
Illustration of gray fox by Savannah Mayfield.
Illustration of Chiricahua Mountains by Savannah Mayfield.
Illustration of the Chiricahua Mountains by Savannah Mayfield.
Illustration of flora and fauna by MyKel Harris.
Illustration by MyKel Harris.
Illustration of Mt. Mica by Mary Mitchell.
Illustration of Mt. Mica in the Rincon Mountains by Mary Mitchell.
Rainbow hedgehog cactus and carpenter bee by Mary Mitchell.
Rainbow hedgehog cactus and carpenter bee by Mary Mitchell.
Illustration of jaguar and hummingbirds by Anna Nagy.
Illustration of jaguar, hummingbirds, and flowers by Anna Nagy.
Illustration of Winchester Mountains by Anna Nagy.
Illustration of the Winchester Mountains by Anna Nagy.
Illustration of flora and fauna by Zanol Simmons.
Illustration of flora and fauna by Zanol Simmons.
Illustration of Huachuca Mountains by Zanol Simmons.
Illustration of the Huachuca Mountains by Zanol Simmons.
Illustration of flora and fauna by Court Thompson.
Illustration of flora and fauna by Court Thompson.
Illustration of Chiricahua Mountains by Court Thompson.
Illustration of the Chiricahua Mountains by Court Thompson.
Illustration of flora and fauna by Johanna Wu.
Illustration of flora and fauna by Joanna Wu.
Illustration of Pinaleño Mountains by Johanna Wu.
Illustration of the Pinaleño Mountains by Joanna Wu.