Jo LaPorte is an artist, art educator, and maker of stuff. She lives and plays with her family in the mountains and rivers of Montana. Jo considers herself a place-based artist, using the stories of her surroundings to gain a deeper, more global understanding and consideration of the ways humans impact their landscapes. Her research focuses on the environmental and cultural shifts that have evolved with consumerism and the colonization of the West. Jo's research directly informs her studio practice, which can take many forms such as; illustration, photo and video documentation, live performative events, and three dimensional sculptures. Jo has always been invested in education and community engagement and her artwork aims to demonstrate those values. Through her projects and teachings, she hopes to provide people with the inspiration and tools needed to connect to their local resources, communities, histories, and landscapes. 

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