A Social Practice Art project developed by Tom Huang, Associate Professor of Design – KU in conjunction with the Lawrence Art Center that encourages community and awareness of the environmental issues surrounding the Kaw River and shared water resources. Through the act of making, students ranging in age from 8-80 (with little to no previous construction skill) are invited to explore the adventure of building and launching a canoe. Guided in a team effort, 12 participants work together to harvest local bamboo and recycled grocery bags to construct a fleet of bamboo canoes. The course culminates with a short 1.5 mile excursion on the Kaw. The power and beauty of canoes and journeys spark imagination, creativity, and sense of adventure. The power of making draws us together toward a common cause and goal; together, we build community with our hand

Bamboo Canoe Haiku:
I made the canoe
and the sandwich in my bag
I need nothing else

Andrew Cho, course participant