Many new projects are being created in Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School (OHCHS), one in particular would the the project that Planet Arts is putting together about Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO’s). Planet Arts is the club that was transformed out of the OHCHS Art Club into projects that are more project-based and educationally enriching for students.
“Last year some of the Art Club members were frustrated with the lack of purpose in the club,” said Phil Hammett, the Planet Arts director. “We decided to focus on meaningful issues having to do with our health and environment, and do installation projects that would "make a splash".”
“Genetically modified organisms are plants or animals that have had their genes altered for a specific purpose,” stated Hammett.
It also involves the mutation, insertion, or deletion of genes within an organism which can cause many different problems with the human body. The students who are part of Planet Arts are trying to get the information out to the people in our community.
“That doesn't just mean drink your milk and eat your vegetables, people need to look into how they're food is grown, if pesticides are used, where they come from, and if they contain bad GMO's,” Carly Sauro explained, who is a Senior and a member of the Planet Arts. “Our main message is to pay attention to what you eat. It is more important now than ever before to eat healthy.”
To help get the information out to students in the high school and anyone who is located in the high school. The project includes a big pair of lips located right above the Main Office entrance with an arrow pointing down to it stating “You Are What You Eat”. Coming out of the mouth are pool noodles and plastic tubing which is put together in a way to look like a strand of DNA. Within the strand of DNA there is a black pool noodle which is to represent a “bad” GMO within the strand. There is also a sign beside the door of the Main Office which explains what GMO’s are and how they can affect ones health.
“However, I should point out that not all GMO's are bad,” explained Hammett, “the first genetically modified tomato allowed the tomato to ripen on the shelf, rather than be artificially ripened using ethylene gas. This is actually more healthful and results in better flavor.”
Although they don’t believe they will ever be finished because there are so many different things to discuss, they will be installing an interactive “website” on the wall in the Main Lobby to allow people to get more information if they seek to do so.
“We are also planning on having an Art show/ community day at the end of the year,” says Sauro, “so keep an eye out for it!”
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