SALEM, MA – In April, the Peabody Essex Museum will open two new exhibits to raise awareness about the urgency of climate change.
The exhibit openings will be held around Earth Day and school vacation.
The exhibit Climate Action: Inspiring ChangeIt opens on April 16th and runs until July 30th. Peabody Essex stated that it “brings together dynamic, contemporary art, hands on experiences and inspiring works from youth artists to help us make a difference for our planet.”
Konstantin Dimopoulos, The Blue TreesThis is an environmental call to action through a participatory project. A biologically-safe watercolor is used and a team of collaborators.
Community volunteers transform a selection trees on PEM’s campus temporarily to bring attention to the growing issue regarding deforestation.
The installation of the exhibit will begin April 20, when PEM’s April School Vacation Week, Earth Week Art in Action, kicks off.
Jane Winchell, PEM’s Sarah Fraser Robbins Director at The Dotty Brown Art & Nature Center, and exhibition curator, said that young people all over the world are leading the way to a fair transition to a clean future. “They are asking courageous questions, protesting against injustice in the environment, starting community climate programs, and sharing their concerns about the climate through art and creative expression.
“Their determination shows that this isn’t a time for despair but a moment to come together to create an environment of optimism and possibility.”
Winchell said that the exhibits were meant to spark discussion and action on critical issues that remain secondary to many.
Winchell stated, “The majority of Americans are worried about the climate, but only a few percent of us actually talk about or know how we can make a difference.” “Climate
Change is an issue that touches all of us, no matter where we live or who we are.
“While we all are affected by climate change, not everyone is equally affected. Climate change has been shown to have a significant impact on the health and energy of people of color and the poor. It will take imagination and vision to make the right choices regarding the environment. The consequences of the actions we take today can have far-reaching consequences.
“The goal of each individual is to overcome our fear and feelings desperation and make informed decisions to move forward. Collectively, we can all take actions that will lead to a climate-stable future and an environmentally just future for everyone.
(Scott Souza, Patch field editor, covers Beverly, Danvers Marblehead Marblehead Marblehead Marblehead Peabody Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at [email protected]. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)