This fall, Laguna Beach High School’s art department is emphasizing environmental themes, evident in their upcoming and recent FLOW projects around town and the school community. For those unfamiliar with what FLOW stands for, FLOW is an acronym for fire, land, ocean, and water — all representing a different aspect of how to become more environmentally conscious. LBHS’ Mrs. Shelley Juhl O’Brien, also known around school as “JOB”, joined the LBHS staff at the beginning of the 2023-2034 school year as the Art Production, AP Art, Yearbook, and later as the newest FLOW Coordinator. She was welcomed with open arms from the start for
her contagious personality and knowledge about the arts in relation to environmental sustainability.
“I co-taught a class at a previous school district called Environmental Design, similar to an AP Environmental Science class, where all projects were all about environmental literacy through art projects,” said Juhl-O’Brien.
Throughout JOB’s teaching career at Laguna Beach High School, she has continued to be passionate about spreading an underlying message, woven within the art itself. Some recent examples include Art Production II’s flora block prints –insect and butterfly wings utilizing macro pieces of art. They lean heavily toward conservation within our planet since she has been hearing much more about FLOW, becoming even more intrigued by the mission every minute that passes by.
In January 2025, Art Production I & II students will tackle their largest FLOW project yet: transforming everyday waste into artistic treasures. Her students plan to collect their chosen item for two months in order to create their piece of art; the item needs to be something they consistently use so that the waste does not end up in undesirable landscapes. An active initiative within these projects allows the students to deeply understand more about how the average person can utilize sustainability.
“If you are drinking Gatorade every day, lids of the Gatorade will be used in massive amounts for sculptures or paintings rather than being thrown away,” said Juhl-O’Brien.
The FLOW and Art production students have already gotten a headstart on participating in environmental art activities around town and the school. For instance, in honor of FLOW Week’s presentations back in November, JOB sent three students (Brighton Welch, Lakelyn Welch, and Zoey Bond) to curate a vibrant chalk mural for the Coast Film Festival, depicting the Pacific deep blue ocean. Amazing feedback came in response to its extremely textured touch combined with a heartwarming message, so it would not be a shocker if the students returned for other various outside projects to promote FLOW.
“It was such an incredible opportunity to make art for our community and to work with such amazing people during the process,” stated junior FLOW President and Art Production student Brighton Welch.
As art students continue to break the cycle of non-sustainability, students are not only learning to craft beauty but also highlighting the importance of taking responsibility for their planet’s future through their artistic choices. Make sure to keep a close eye on potential projects coming up next semester in honor of FLOW!
