On March 27, 2025 we had the great privilege of attending the Art Matter’s Symposium on the campus of Grand Valley State University in Michigan. Two of our films, The Conservation Kid and Toxic Art, were screened for participating students and faculty.

It was an awesome opportunity to interact with the students and faculty of GVSU. The session lasted all day and was part of a much larger initiative that the University was spearheading. Their goal is to engage with students across all disciplines and academic specialties to drive engagement around our collective impact on the environment.

Highlighting The Conservation Kid

In an interactive morning session led by Rivers are Life's Mark Fellwock, we screened The Conservation Kid, led a demonstration on of how to make a monofilament bin and held a Q&A session with the attendees. Great questions drove deep conversation around the role of awareness and collective action when it comes to conservation. Plus, educators attending the event were given the opportunity to download our educational lesson plan, geared at grades K-12, that accompanies the film. 

Highlighting Toxic Art

In the afternoon session we showcased our film, Toxic Art and had the privilege of being joined by Guy Riefler, Professor of Civil Engineering, highlighted in the film. Guy, along with 4 other panel members, then held a Q&A discussing the impacts that art can have on bringing awareness to specific issues and again how it can have an impact on driving collective action.

We’re looking forward to joining the team and GVSU next year to continue these meaningful conversations!