Art, Education & Environmental Impact – My Commitment

As an environmental artist and a mum of three teenagers, it’s vitally important to me that the world we’re leaving behind is not only protected—but better. My work is rooted in the belief that art has the power to open eyes, shift perspectives, and spark meaningful change. But more than that, it can be a form of healing and hope—especially for our younger generations.

In a post-COVID world, where youth anxiety is at an all-time high, I’ve seen firsthand how engaging with art can be a powerful form of emotional release and connection. Whether it’s exploring texture, colour, or just the freedom to create without rules, art offers an outlet that brings joy, calm, and self-discovery.

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work on multiple projects with the Vancouver School Board, bringing these values directly into classrooms. One of my most impactful collaborations was a full-term residency at Cypress Park Primary School in West Vancouver. This wasn’t just a mural or a quick workshop—it was a school-wide transformation.

Each week, I worked with every student in the school, guiding them through a project to completely reimagine their interior spaces. Together, we turned the school into a magical, immersive display of Northern Lights. We explored how art doesn’t require perfection or expensive tools—just imagination, collaboration, and a willingness to get messy. We used everyday materials, we laughed, we got absolutely covered head to toe in paint—and most importantly, we created something unforgettable.

Through these experiences, the students learned that art has no rules, only possibilities. The results weren’t just beautiful—they were deeply personal. That first term created an impression that will last for years to come, not just on the walls of the school, but in the hearts of the children who made it.

Projects like this fuel my commitment to using art as a platform for environmental and emotional awareness—whether that’s helping children visualize a more sustainable world, or giving them the tools to express their place in it.

I believe that when we teach young people to see beauty in the world, they grow up wanting to protect it. And that’s the kind of legacy I want to be part of.

— Nikki Baxendale