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Paradise Lost Exhibition

Paradise Lost?

Artists on Climate Change in the Northwoods

In May of 2006, 20 artists, 7 scientists and 6 educators met to learn about climate change and the potential role of art in increasing public awareness of science. The artists subsequently created pieces including paintings, sculpture, poetry and music reflecting their perceptions of the science of climate change, its impacts on northern ecosystems and the actions that can be taken now to lessen those impacts.

These pieces were assembled into an exhibit along with related scientific information and visuals.

During the exhibition tour, educators visited middle and high schools in each community prior to the exhibit's arrival, involving students in science and art activities focusing on climate change. Students created artwork to be included with the exhibit in their community. A reception and panel discussion was held in each community at the opening of the exhibit. Local organizations with an interest in climate change were invited and encouraged to hold other related events, using the exhibit as a focal point.

There were three broad themes we used to convey through this exhibit and related educational programs:

Global - An overview of climate, historical and recent changes and impacts of greenhouse gases.
Regional - What is unique about northern ecosystems, which elements are sensitive to climate changes and what changes can be expected.
Actions - Provide an outline of the challenges and also the opportunities to change - how can we reduce our carbon footprint?
We will provide ideas of individual actions people can take, simple changes they can make and illustrate the impact of those changes.

NEW! View an online version of the Paradise Lost catalog (PDF, 4MB). The catalog features the entire collection of artists and their work, scientific data and is available for purchase at any of the exhibit stops.

Teaching Climate Change

We are proud to announce Paradise Lost? Teaching About Climate Change in the Great Lakes Region, a dynamic website built to link concepts, activities, videos, art and science together for K-12 teachers. It is a work in progress, but feel free to visit and stop back often!

Gallery

Click on the title for larger image, artist's statement/bio, and contact information.

It's Just Math Bonnie Peterson	Support Our Spruce! jd slack	Ice Messengers Diana Randolph
Man and Gaia Marilyn Annin	Moose Running Joyce Koskenmaki	The LaPointe Treaty of 2006 Howard Paap
Ages 3 and Up: A Puzzle for Our Children, Jamie Young	The Things We Know, Amy Arntson	What You Can, Melissa Cooke
Winter's End, Helen Klebesadel	Generations, Scott Pauli