- [Narrator] We're at the MSU Broad Art Museum in East Lansing, Michigan, where we help artists share important stories about their world.

And I'm gonna share one of those stories with you today.

We're standing beside a painting by artist Dylan Minor.

Let's look at these shapes from really far away.

They show the path of the Kalamazoo River in Michigan, almost like a map.

In 2010, part of this river ran black when a pipeline used to transport oil burst.

Such spills make it difficult for plants and creatures who rely on the water to remain healthy.

The environment is still recovering today.

Now let's take a closer look at the materials the artist uses.

The green fabric is synthetic felt made from petroleum.

And the thick, sticky paint that creates the river's edge is bitumen, a type of crude oil.

How do you think the artist feels about this place?

He tells us that he was raised in the woods in rural Michigan, and that he had a really strong relationship with the land.

How can you use your creativity to share a story about a place that's special to you?

Thanks for joining me.

Your family can discover more art stories at the MSU Broad or a museum near you.

(upbeat music)