PROJECT: Imagine a bus trip to the Mall of America. Now imagine that a detour is being planned to educate the passengers about the problems associated with extreme consumerism. 

READ: TO LIFE! Read chapters featuring any three of the following artists. Pay particular attention to how they integrate rigorous investigation into their creative eco art practices. Techniques include field studies (Ballengee), interview (Beehive), discussion (Beuys), collaboration (Franceschini, HeHe, TC & A), laboratory experiment (Critical Art Ensemble, TC & A); community engaged experiment (HeHe, Potrc); engineering experimentation (Ngo), direct material interactions (Gracie, Harrisons, Kac, Lee, Saraceno).

PROJECT: Imagine a bus trip to the 520-store complex known as the Mall of America that attracts 40 million shoppers every year (roughly eight times the population of the state of Minnesota). Now imagine that a detour is being planned to educate the passengers about the human and environmental problems associated with extreme consumerism. Choose one artist discussed in this section and identify a location where he or she might take them. Time, expense, and distance do not need to factor into your choice. This destination should reflect the artist’s interests. For example, Critical Art Ensemble might take the group on a tour of Monsanto manufacturing plants, seed production facilities, and research centers around the globe. Conduct research on this destination and create a narrative for the tour guide. Your project can be written, taped, or performed. Alternatively, conduct research and create souvenirs distributed to the tourists that convey this information.

DISCUSSION: Is there a site nearby that might function in this manner?