Meet Alexa Simeone | Founder and Creative Director for Arts Based Environmental Education Program

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexa Simeone and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexa, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I converge art, science, and technology in an accessible way for learners. They get to build and engage in the climate conversation via design challenges. As a result, students show up as explorers, makers and doers – who transform science knowledge into environmental action. As a National Geographic Certified Educator, who redesigned a utility cart. Built-in collapsible tables and created a mobile, push-powered, art cart. I learned the earlier we get children creating, the brighter their future, and the better the world. My son inspired me to set up an art studio space in our veranda and that was the start of it all. We would spend hours tinkering and arranging what we would find on our nature walks and beach clean ups. Fast forward, we turned the space into an art and exploration lab for families to join us and have their young ones learn through creative avenues. The further I became involved with local marine and science spaces, the more I realized that there was a lack of accessibility and resources for underserved youth to participate. As a result, most students struggle to understand their place and space in science. That means less girls and underserved communities in areas where we need them the most. The climate conversation.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Our maker labs innovate S.T.E.A.M education and environmental action via the perfect synergy of art and activism, a type of ARTivism designed to educate and raise public awareness of our oceans. Ocean trash turns into art and the 3 R’s (reduce, reuse, recycle) adds to our scientific method. Via “Sea.Me.”, a redesigned utility cart, with built-in collapsible tables turned push-powered, art cart I get to connect communities to the magic of our underwater world. As a result our learners better understand the opportunities and challenges that exist in preserving our oceans for future generations. I’m not the artist my students are. Their work beautifies and revitalizes public spaces and carries long-term educational value for the local community. I believe that arming the next generation of environmental advocates and ARTivists with the necessary skills is key to the longevity of an artist movement. For this reason, Lele Art Lab offers an immersive mentorship program to young creatives as an opportunity for them to work alongside established artists and science professionals, and to develop an art and science practice that is rooted in a purpose greater than themselves.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Nature centers in Florida’s parks often have their own trail systems and are great places to get young kids outside to learn about Florida’s habitats, flora, and fauna firsthand. Some of the best spots are: Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Hugh Taylor Park, Fern Forest Nature Center and Anne Kolb Nature Center..

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
In my early career, I started out as an informal educator in ESL programming, and adult literacy, and did some K – 12 teachings abroad. I moved into the creative field following these experiences and learned valuable lessons from many of my students, the people I worked with and the cities I lived in. The support of my family, my husband and son and dear friends, alongside inspirational community leaders have allowed me to get to where I am today. As a former Rotary Scholar, Vela Grantee, Chasing Coral Community Grant Recipient, 4.O Tiny Fellow, Camelback Venture Fellow and Echoing green finalist, I’ve come across amazing people who have opened many doors. I’m always grateful to all educators making a difference in the lives of our youth and the community.

Website: www.leleartlab.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leleartlab/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexa-simeone/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/axsimeone?lang=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leleartlab

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8Q61qLLGruJOlNjx1Y7SZQ

Image Credits
Photo by: simon plestenjak