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The Sheepmowers Cut the Grass — and Feed the Lawn and Soul

A Student's Look at a Sheep Art Event

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Sheep in green pasture with blue sky and clouds in background
The аÄÃÅÁùºÏ²ÊÄÚÄ»ÐÅÏ¢ Davis Sheepmowers returned to a pasture on campus last week, showing off their abilities to chew on grass to groom the lawn, feed the ground, and relax everyone around them with art projects or just hanging out. (Jamie Gelfond/Photography)

Sheepmovers made their return to the аÄÃÅÁùºÏ²ÊÄÚÄ»ÐÅÏ¢ Davis campus on Wellman Hall’s lawn Friday, Nov. 1. About 25 sheep of multiple varieties grazed the lawn, helping to mow, fertilize and improve the lawn’s ecosystem. But not only do these sheep help to keep our planet in order, they also provide students with an artistic outlet to enjoy during a stressful week.

Student at table of merchandise in front of pasture
Students feature a table of sheepmowing merchandise. One can make their own art, or buy some work already done by others. The sheepmower events happen throughout the school year. (Jamie Gelfond/ Photography)
Screenprinting demonstration outside of Wellman Hall next to the Sheepmowers. (Jamie Gelfond/ Photography)
Students complete a screenprinting demonstration outside of Wellman Hall next to the sheep grazing. (Jamie Gelfond/ Photography)

When I arrived at Wellman Hall around noon, right after the sheep arrived at their designated spot, there was already a crowd gathered around them. Peering in awe, students were on their highest tip-toes trying to get a glimpse of their furry friends. After a week of midterms and papers, it was refreshing to turn off my mind and relax outside among the sheep. As I overheard chatter behind me, I realized many students felt the same. The sheep gave them a calming distraction from the chaos of being a full time college student. 

As I circled around the section of grass the sheep were occupying, I found myself watching a demonstration of screen printing under two large trees. Participants who signed up ahead of time got to bring tote bags, shirts, and hoodies to screenprint a sheep onto, a wonderful way to introduce them to the art form itself. The participant I spoke to brought a T-

various pieces of sheep merchandise such as T-shirts and other gifts site as display on table

shirt to screen print. Before long, it was a sheep shirt. 

Student with shirt they finished in a screenprinting class showing a sheep image
Participant showing off her newly screenprinted Sheepmowing T-shirt. (Jamie Gelfond/ Photography)

She said she really enjoyed making art while learning about the sheep. There was also a merchandise table selling Sheepmowing tote bags, tank tops, T-shirts, and sweatshirts for those who did not have the time to make the art themselves. The adorable items ranged in price from $7 to $25.

The Sheepmowers are part of аÄÃÅÁùºÏ²ÊÄÚÄ»ÐÅÏ¢ Davis’s  program, an initiative to get students, faculty, and Davis residents outside for better physical and mental well being. By getting students to engage with the sheep and activities related to them, students are simultaneously spending time outside which is linked to reducing stress and spending time creating art that they can wear with Aggie pride. The sheepmowers are led by A. Haven Kiers, assistant professor of Landscape Architecture. 

More about the sheepmowers

For future Sheepmowing events, check here: 

Read more information about the incredible benefits of Sheepmowers here: Surprising Benefits of Using Sheep as Lawn Mowers | аÄÃÅÁùºÏ²ÊÄÚÄ»ÐÅÏ¢ Davis

And find out how to get involved with Nature Rx here:  

 

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The Arts Blog Weekender is published every Thursday, but articles on various art topics run throughout the month. 

Editor: Karen Nikos-Rose, kmnikos@ucdavis.edu

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