Roots of Renewal

Sunset Park, Brooklyn, New York City 2024
Roots of Renewal

Roots of Renewal was a five-week biodesign internship empowering Asian-American high school students by bringing together art, science, sustainability, and community care through the practice of building mycelium sculptures. This program connected youth to local communities, cultivated a curiosity for biodesign, and encouraged experimentation with science through creative expression.

This program was made possible through collaborations with Chinese-American Planning Council, Genspace, New York Mycological Society, and funding from Asian American Art Alliance (A4)'s What Can We Do? grant.

Week 1 — Orientation

The first week was held at Genspace, a community biology lab in Sunset Park. Students learned about fungi, aseptic lab techniques, mushroom cloning, and activated their own mycelium using a Grow.bio Grow It Yourself kit. The internship launch concluded with a pizza celebration.

"Starting off the week at Genspace was amazing. The resources were best — I discovered many community opportunities and felt empowered to continue my biology/design education." — Miya

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Week 2 — Sustainability and Biomaterials

Week 2 occurred at ArtBuilt Studio, focusing on sustainability and biomaterials: a mycelium lecture, biodesigner panel discussion, sculpture brainstorming, prototyping, and packing mycelium.

"My understanding of science, art, and design shifted — I now envision alternatives for everyday objects." — Nathaniel

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Week 3 — Mushroom Walk

Interns explored Prospect Park with the New York Mycological Society, learning mushroom observation and identification, concluding with reflection and field journal sketching.

"This internship gave me new perspective. Later, I returned to Prospect Park with my mother, sharing fungi knowledge from beneath dead logs." — Kevin

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Week 4 — Mycelium Sculptures

Sessions included mushroom walk recaps, fungal DNA barcoding lectures, and group sculpture assembly. Students created individual pieces with accompanying narratives using various art materials.

"I could potentially launch a company promoting affordable, well-known mycelium products." — Brian

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Week 5 — Community Showcase

The final celebration featured student presentations, distribution of a field journal zine, and certificate awards.

"I now comprehend mycelium's environmental significance in our daily lives." — Brian

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