Saving Appalachian Gardens and Stories: Growing community and sustainability through arts-based research

Abstract

In this interdisciplinary project, students in the Departments of Visual Arts, Biology, and Appalachian Studies interviewed community members to collect, bank, grow, and share heirloom seeds and stories of Southern Appalachian foodways. Then, using arts based research, we identified visual and narrative metaphors in the transcripts, recordings and photos that not only reflected but directed the gathering of more data and the drawing of conclusions. Our scholarly understanding was rooted in the creation of an art piece that we call a “communograph.” This year’s installation was a collection of garden flags using photographic transfers and textile techniques such as fabric dying, embroidery, and quilting. An alumnae and student art educator from the Department of Visual Arts taught these techniques to non-artists, students majoring in biology, history, education, and business. In this presentation, we will discuss the opportunities and challenges of arts-based research as well as showcase selected garden flags and accompanying stories.