Creating with concrete at Natural Learning Institute

Photo by Jesse Turner NLI

In October, Chatham County painter, sculptor and writer Forrest Greenslade conducted an outdoor workshop at NC State's 10th Annual Natural Learning Design Institute at the NC Botantical Garden. The Design Institute offered presentations from experts in the fields of childcare, outdoor learning design and the environment, particularly in childcare settings.

Photo by Jesse Turner NLI

Greenslade worked with a group of students and early childhood professionals from around North Carolina to learn techniques of concrete sculpture. Participants dug holes in the wondergarden, a space for kids to explore nature and play at The Garden. They then mixed a concrete composite that Greenslade uses to create sculpture, and poured the mixture into the holes. Pieces of cedar wood were inserted into the concrete material to produce toadstool stems.

After allowing a couple of weeks for the concrete to cure, the Botanical Garden Staff dug up the pieces, and assembled them into a whymsical Toadstool Town.


Photo by Forrest

It tweeks the imagination to think what kids will do in Toadstool Town over the next months.

Stay tuned!