Educational Background/Training
MA Buddhism and Art, University of Colorado
BA Japanese religion and art, University of Richmond
About the Artist/Ensemble
Blythe King leads a diversified life in the arts. She works as an educator, mentor, collaborator, program director, and practicing artist. Blythe’s collage work has exhibited regularly in Virginia through the Richmond Public Library, Quirk, Eric Schindler Gallery, and the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art. She has also been showcased by the The Griffin Museum of Photography in Massachusetts and the Hillyer in Washington DC. Most recently, she was awarded a 2022-23 Artist Fellowship from the Virginia Commission for the Arts. In 2021, Blythe launched Open Space Education in response to the growing need for equitable access to nature, art education, and alternative modes of learning for Richmond youth. Blythe’s academic background combines an MA in Buddhism and Art from the University of Colorado, with undergraduate studies in Japanese religion and art at the University of Richmond. She currently serves as President on the board of Richmond Zen.
Educational Program Description
At Open Space Education, we believe in the power of education to shape the lives of young individuals and the trajectory of our communities. Our programs go beyond academic learning, instilling essential life skills and fostering a sense of wonder, resilience, and adaptability. By providing transformative experiences that integrate art, nature, and community, we empower students to become active participants in their own learning journey and prepare them for a future where creativity, innovation, and environmental stewardship are paramount.
Sample Residency Programs Through Open Space Education:
GIVE + TAKE: NATURE-BASED ART is a unique offering by Open Space Education that combines art education and nature-based learning. The program is designed to amplify abilities and create breakthroughs in youth by helping students connect to the natural world through creativity and recognize their interconnection with each other.
The program consists of weekly sessions that are led by professional teaching artists. Students go on nature walks and collect natural materials to make their own art supplies, like paint brushes, paint, and paper. Each session is structured to be hands-on, immersive and experiential, allowing students to develop new skills and enhance their relationship with the natural world. The program also provides opportunities for students to learn from each other and develop their social-emotional skills.
IKEBANA is a program in partnership with Ikebana of Richmond in which students learn the Japanese art of ikebana, or sculpting with nature. According to legend, Samurai warriors practiced ikebana for calmness of mind. Outside on school grounds, students go on nature walks and learn about the aesthetic properties of seasonal trees and plants like plum blossoms, forsythia, and pine, as well as their symbolism. Students also learn the skill of hand building and glazing with clay as they create their own ceramic containers for their nature sculptures.
FUNCTIONAL CERAMICS: FROM PLANTING TO EATING combines elements of nature-based learning, art education, plant cultivation, and food justice. Held outside at Fonticello Food Forest (or comparable community garden space), this program aims to empower young people to understand the importance of sustainable food systems and healthy food choices.
The program starts with students learning about the art of ceramics and how to create functional pieces such as planters and dinnerware. Throughout the program, students plant, care for, and harvest their own vegetables and herbs with and create ceramic containers to plant their seedlings.
Our programs typically run for 1.5 – 2 hours once a week for 6 weeks and can be tailored for week-long programming (such as Spring Break or Intercession). We work with students K-8 grade. The cost of our 6-week program is $4200- $8000.
Audiences
- All Ages