Cortada Science Art Academy at Pinecrest Gardens teaches students how to think, imagine, and problem-solve while caring for the environment. Developed by Xavier Cortada, renowned eco-artist and Pinecrest Gardens’ Artist-in-Residence, this immersive after-school program aims to develop engaged citizens who use art and science to better understand our world, connect with others, and address environmental concerns.

Students dive deep into Cortada’s science art practice to discover how they can use the power of art to spur social and environmental action. Through engaged studio sessions and presentations at Pinecrest Gardens’ Hibiscus Gallery, students will learn how to use creativity and leadership to help conserve Florida’s ecosystems, defend global biodiversity, and advance the work of climate scientists at the Earth’s poles.

defend biodiversity using science art

In a journey through the Earth’s past, present, and future, students discover their interconnectedness with all life on the planet and the role that they can play in either defending or destroying it. Throughout this module students will learn how science allows us to understand the natural world, why the climate is rapidly changing, and how Cortada uses art to inspire action.

Conserve Florida’s Fragile Ecosystems

Exploring the importance of Florida’s ecosystems, from coral reefs and the Everglades to mangrove forests and wildflower meadows, students use art and science to engage in conservation. In this module students learn from Cortada’s eco-art practice to understand and express complex ideas, develop essential leadership skills, and foster hope in the fight to protect our local environment.

Through the Seahorse Society, one of our participatory art projects, students commit to eco-actions that protect critical seahorse habitat from environmental degradation in Biscayne Bay.

Discover the North & South Poles

Cortada created art at the North and South Poles to address environmental issues at every point in between. During this module, students travel to the ends of the Earth to learn about the melting Arctic and Antarctic, the perseverance of its explorers and scientists, and the power of art to reframe our thinking. Using Cortada’s polar art, participants will better understand global climate change, practice empathy, and problem-solve for a future with rising seas.

register at pinecrest gardens

Presented by Pinecrest Gardens, as part of the Village of Pinecrest’s educational programming, the Academy will be offering after-school programs tailored to elementary school students. Programs require advanced registration and payment here.

Cortada traveled to the North Pole via icebreaker to create eco-art installations that bring attention to human impacts on the climate, the melting Arctic ice, and rising seas.

Pinecrest Gardens Artist-in-Residence Xavier Cortada invited students and teachers from most of Pinecrest's local schools to plant mangroves onsite as part of his Pinecrest Mangrove Forest and Plan(T) projects.
Adam Roberti will lead Academy classes. He has trained art teachers at the 2019 MDCPS' STEAM Professional Development Session and science teachers through UF's Scientist in Every Florida School program.
Cortada collaborated with local high school students to paint the elevation of four intersections across Killian Drive as part of his Underwater HOA initiative to educate the community about sea level rise.

Pinecrest Gardens, South Florida’s Cultural Arts Park, presents Cortada Science Art Academy at Pinecrest Gardens as part of the Village of Pinecrest’s educational programming.

For more information contact info@cortadaacademy.org or visit www.pinecrestgardens.org.