The Language of Symbols in Living Systems
School Presentations & Workshops in Art, Science, and Creative Writing
"The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious.
It is the source of all true art and science."
-Albert Einstein
Peter C. Stone
Teaching visual literacy and symbolism in the context of living systems, award-winning artist and author Peter C. Stone draws on thirty years of projects for his multimedia presentations and workshops. He has offered hundreds of in-school events (from lower school through university level), more than fifty solo shows, and over one hundred group exhibitions at galleries and museums in the United States, Canada, and England.
With a passion for exploring the language of symbolism and the sustainable wisdom of indigenous traditions, he shows how symbol and myth may be used to interpret and convey ideas in writing, drawing, painting, and mixed media. His recent illustrated books (The Untouchable Tree, 2008; Sanctuaries, 2003; Condor Magic, 1997) provide narratives and personal accounts for his engaging presentations, integrating art and science, ecology and mysticism.
Peter's inquiry-based presentations teach organized observation skills and inspire students to write and draw by bringing to life the process of creating stories with words and illustrations. Students develop strong foundations in symbolic recognition, practical visual skills (shape, value, line, and shading), and conversational use of the language of seeing. Attention is given to individual needs and interests, selection of subject matter, composition, palette and values, and group critiques.
In-school and museum workshops are designed to meet requirements for Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks for Arts, English Language Arts, and Sciences, and are applicable to the study of foreign languages, health, sciences, math, history and social science. Pre-workshop dialogues with educators are encouraged; Peter enjoys adapting his presentations to meet school preferences.
School Library Journal has described his intricately layered paintings as "dreamy" and "evocative." Publishers Weekly has called his oils "...sumptuous... beyond the tactile into a nearly mystical realm..." "...Mr. Stone's ability to match evocative words with evocative scenery is haunting..." (Heartland Reviews)
One premise of his work is that the first opportunities for exploring our connection with the land arise when we are children and are sustainable through our local customs and beliefs. In turn, a protected cultural heritage fosters stewardship and conservation. His paintings make these ideas accessible through the language of mythological symbols and secondary images as well as through story.
Peter C. Stone's teaching experience includes: Audubon Society, Connecticut; Birmingham Museum of Art; Birmingham Public Schools, AL; Connecting Oceans Academy, New Bedford; Copley Society of Boston; Coral Gables Public Library, FL; Healy School, Fall River, MA; Labrador Institute; Labrador School System, NF; Miami Public Library; Miami-Dade County Public Schools, FL; New Bedford Whaling Museum; Newton Art Association; Peabody Essex Museum; Philadelphia College of Art; Philadelphia Public Schools, PA; Springfield High School, VT; Tabor Academy, Marion; Wang Center for Performing Arts, Boston; Wareham High School, MA; West Palm Beach Public Schools, FL.
Please contact us for details and booking information.
 "Natalie, Kingston Elementary, Birmingham, AL")
Natalie, Kingston Elementary,
Birmingham, AL
(Click image to enlarge Natalie's Testimonial)
 "Symbolism in an oil painting from The Untouchable Tree")
 "Mother & Child: Symbolism in an oil painting from Sanctuaries")
 "Symbolism in an oil painting from The Untouchable Tree")