Green Building Series & Natural Arts Classes

Cost: $60. Register and pay through Amaizing U.

Locations: U of M Flint & the Strawbale Studio, Oxford, MI

This series is offered through "Amaizing U": U of M Flint life-long learning classes (www.AmaizingU.com). The "Green Arts Project" has presented a number of Amaizing U classes which focus on environmental awareness, education and action, through artistic and creative expression. The Green Arts Project is managed by the UM-Flint University Outreach Center for Applied Environmental Research, and is funded by the Ruth Mott Foundation. Course descriptions and registration for Amazing U Green Building & Natural Craft Series

Instructor: Deanne Bednar, artist, educator and co-builder of the Strawbale Studio, teaches about her studio and other natural building structures. She offers an on-site tour of the thatch-roofed studio in Oxford, Michigan. She discusses ecological materials and designing green buildings to create energy-efficient, sustainable, healthy indoor spaces. Learn how green buildings fulfill building code requirements and ensure the health of the planet. See www.freewebs.com/strawbalestudio

Green Building Classes:

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Learn about the Strawbale Studio

Tuesday, March 6, 2007 * 6:30-8:30pm * Class Location: UM-Flint

See slides and learn about the Strawbale Studio, a thatched- roof project in Northern Oakland County, as well as some other natural buildings in the region. Also view an inspiring video (The Strawbale Solution) on strawbale homes and strawbale construction around the US & Mexico. See www.freewebs.com/strawbalestudio for natural building calendar.

Tour the Strawbale Studio

Saturday, March 17, 2007 * 3-5pm * Class Location: Oxford, MI

Visit the Strawbale Studio, a unique thatched-roof building with strawbale wall construction, earthen plasters, a fieldstone foundation, round pole framing and a solar electric system. Also see a Rocket Stove Heated Bench. You will have a chance to mix and take home some earthen material used in the plasters, floor and sculptures. Located about 15 miles south of Lapeer, MI.

Why Build Green?

Tuesday, March 20, 2007 * 6:30-8:30pm * Class Location: UM-Flint

View the inspiring video: “Pennsylvania’s First Green Building” and learn about ecological materials and designing. This movement to create more energy efficient and nature-friendly, healthy indoor environments is growing.

Is it Legal? Evolving the Building Codes

Tuesday, March 27, 2007 * 6:30-8:30pm * Class Location: UM-Flint

This video, designed for code officials explains why natural building products and ecological design are so important for our health and the future health of the planet and our descendants. Discussion of some Michigan homes and projects will be included. "Building Codes for a Small Planet" redefines public health, safety, and welfare, connecting buildings with their environmental, social, and economic consequences. It lays the groundwork for a major shift in the way that building regulatory community views and carries out its work.

From this video you will learn about:

• The unintended effects of current design and construction and their connection to building regulations.

• Surprising facts about both conventional and alternative materials and methods of construction.

• A vision for a future where buildings do more good than harm, and building departments are recognized as community resources for best building practices.

Natural Arts Classes

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Make a Dream Catcher

Tuesday, April 3, 2007 * 6-8pm *UM-Flint. Cost: $25 Class Location: UM-Flint

Create and decorate your own dream catcher to take home. Dream Catchers make a beautiful and special gift for showers, marriages, birthday. The evening includes all materials and handouts.

Instruction by Deanne Bednar. Materials and handouts included. 12 years and up; children must be accompanied by an adult.

Cording and Bracelets.

Tuesday, April 10, 2007 * 6-8pm* UM-Flint

Cost: $15 Class Location: UM-Flint

Learn how to make jewelry using materials you can gather from Nature with Deanne Bednar. All materials provided. Age 10 and up; children must be accompanied by an adult.

Instructor: Deanne Bednar

248 628 187 ecoartdb@aol.com

PO Box 733, Oxford, MI 48371

Deanne Bednar is co-builder of the Strawbale Studio and other natural structures, and illustrator of three books on natural building including “The Hand-Sculpted House”. She has a Masters in Social Ecology and decades of experience as is an art, sustainability and natural building educator.