© 2025 Citizen Artist
Citizen Artist™ -a participatory science research platform, employs Art-Based Perceptual Ecology (ABPE) research methodologies to study
changes in ecological systems. With a focus on divergent ways of knowing, the non-conventional and integrative research methods (ABPE) are grounded in multimodal knowledge systems and sensory-based learning and offer underrepresented populations an opportunity to get involved in science.
The Citizen Artist™ Apprenticeship Program
If you are interested in an in-depth, focused, and one-on-one engagement with Dr. Woolery to learn Art-Based Perceptual Ecology research methodologies and explore their application to your area of study, then the 9-month Citizen Artist™ Apprenticeship Program will be a good fit for you. Either virtually or in-person, study alongside Dr. Lee Ann Woolery, who pioneered Art-Based Perceptual Ecology research methodologies.
The Citizen Artist™ Apprenticeship Program follows a rolling start date to coincide with your scheduling needs. It is highly recommended that you complete one of the 'Citizen Artist™ courses or other trainings first before starting the Citizen Artist™ Apprenticeship Program. However, we do make exceptions. If you have previous studies or experience in the natural sciences or environmental studies you would be a perfect fit for the Apprenticeship. There is no need for an art background or art experience to enroll in the Citizen Artist™ Apprenticeship Program. Click HERE for more details on the Citizen Artist™ Apprenticeship Program. Or send your contact info and questions HERE.
TESTIMONIALS
"Dr. Woolery is so incredibly knowledgeable in this topic. Not only is her own experience and research vast but she is incredibly generous with her time."
"I feel strong connections between the ABPE methodology and Indigenous methodologies and Decolonizing methodologies. I am currently seeing how I might bring everything together, how the Art-Based Perceptual Ecology methodologies might better support pedagogical research for Native and Indigenous students."
"On the topic of important differences between science-based and art-based qualitative research, the one that stands out most to me is that art-based includes different ways of knowing or understanding and recognizes that there are valuable truths in forms of knowledge that are typically outside the 'standard academic research' realms."
"Data does not have to be only numbers-based!" "(ABPE) Allows for more than one way to do scientific research."
"Having an end product isn’t the purpose; going through the process is the purpose! Once I allowed myself to slow down and stop my thinking-brain,
I was able to relax and enjoy the dancing shadows and listen to the sounds around me."
"Getting to know a plant form through its shadow was so engaging – the concentration put me in another zone."
"In this course, I was able to take a more creative approach to science that allowed me more flexibility than the science and data I have engaged in from a ‘western science’ angle. I will take that curiosity into my work in approaching research questions from a more creative and broader lens."
"ABPE is such an exciting research methodology. For years I have been looking for ways to combine art and science in a meaningful, creative and scholarly way. "
"The ABPE methods spark creativity, fuel my curious mind, and lead to discovery. They opened my senses, heightened them and fine-tuned them."
Asynchronous learning format - Giving you the freedom to learn when and where you want. *
'Deep immersion into Art-Based Perceptual Ecology methods'
Online course. Asynchronous learning format. 6-units over 3-months.
NOTE: the February 6-week/6-session Online Hybrid format course - 'Deep immersion into Art-Based Perceptual Ecology (ABPE) methods' and
the Asynchronous format course of the same name are FULL. The next sessions for both the Online Hybrid format course and the
Asynchronous format course starts summer 2025. Sign-up for our mailing list HERE to be notified when registration opens for the next courses.
The course: 'Deep immersion into Art-Based Perceptual Ecology methods'
What you will learn:
In these online courses you will be introduced to Art-Based Perceptual Ecology (ABPE) research methodologies, transdisciplinary and field-based research methods grounded in multimodal knowledge systems, sensory-based learning and framed within ecological and biological principles. ABPE is an investigative process and tool, bringing a new perspective, new insight to a research study. The ABPE methods have application to studying changes in ecological systems, addressing such critical and real-world issues as biodiversity decline, habitat loss and effects from climate change. ABPE also proves successful in addressing community-based eco-social issues.
For more information on ABPE go HERE. Contrary to our name, there is no need for art experience or art skills to take the course or to practice ABPE.
Cost for the course is: $175 USD.
The 6-unit Asynchronous format online course will include:
- A self-paced learning experience including audio, video, and written content available 24/7 delivered over 3 months.
- Introductory level, instruction in (3) ABPE research protocols, each unit includes reflection questions with examples of ABPE's application to real world issues.
- The course covers the history, theory, and methodological foundations of art-based research (ABR) and art-based perceptual ecology (ABPE) research methodologies.
- Participants commit to an experiential component whereby they deeply engage in the ABPE protocols throughout the course at their own pace in their local habitat.
- Access to multiple online platforms to share data collection, reflection and discussion. No added costs.
- Online discussion throughout the course with instructor Dr. Lee Ann Woolery.
- Upon completion of the course, membership in the global cohort and transdisciplinary think tank, Citizen Artist™ Café (currently over 200 members).
Who is this course for?
Anyone interested in 'other ways of knowing', non-conventional approaches to a science investigation or practice. This could include educators at all levels and all disciplines, PhD and graduate students, ecologists, conservationists, participatory and community-based researchers, environmental educators, leaders in community-based conservation, and art-based researchers in the social sciences, artists, and polymaths.
Ecological Society of America members, if you are seeking CEUs for the ESA Professional Certified Ecologist Program note that Citizen Artist™ is an Approved Scientific Content Provider for ESA's Certified Ecologist Program and you can earn 2.25 CEUs by completing the Citizen Artist™ online course,'Deep Immersion into Art-Based Perceptual Ecology.' Learn a transdisciplinary approach to scientific practices and ways of thinking using ABPE methods and explore how ABPE is expanding the boundaries of innovation and transformation in science at an individual and collective level. For more information go to: ESA's Professional Certified Ecologist Program.
To receive information about all of our educational programming, sign-up for the Citizen Artist™ mailing list HERE.