On April 28, we hosted the GEL 2011 Conference 'All Around the Map' workshop at Green Map System's studio. Our space was filled with more than 30 conference attendees - our interns and colleagues participated in the event as well. We had 3 stations; mapmaking with map painter Connie Brown in our conference room, nametag button making in our special projects space and the Green Map slideshow was presented in Wendy's office. Attendees could explore the gallery of Green Maps and work at our desks as desired, there were also two ‘around the block’ tours to see local green sites. Australia, Canada, Cayman Islands and several US states were in the house!
Jinhwa Ju, our marketing intern, has written the following, “In advance, we prepared materials like button maker and circle papers for nametag making. Wendy presented the purpose - promoting sustainable living by using permanent nametags. Many people made their own unique ‘personal map’ to show how they have a eco-friendly life style.
Connie was a great teacher for many adult students who really would like to make their own maps by hand - not from computers, to which they are so accustomed. She presented her radial maps (see them at RedstoneStudios.com ) including a story from her son that her motivated to make a traditional circle map to find nearby burrito stores. Participants gave it a try and produced maps about their real environment. They hand drew using basic tools and circles just like kindergarten days, yet they felt really happy to enjoy these great works created just by themselves.
While a part of people created handmade maps, remained people focused on Green Map presentation by Wendy. They got to know about Green Map System's history and achievement, asking many questions about its development worldwide. People those who really were willing to spend their time for having those ideas were satisfied very much by this.”
Jinhwa also took the photos shown here. We all enjoyed working with Connie and we love the great radial Green Map she painted of our neighborhood - download a PDF here. Special thanks to everyone from Gel 2011 and we hope to hold another workshop with more new friends very soon.
