ArtSCAPES: Kean University Explores Art in Science, Climate and Adaptation-Picturing Environments and Sustainability

Kean University’s School of Environmental and Sustainability Sciences (SESS) has partnered with University Galleries to offer ArtSCAPES, a series of free campus events exploring the science behind climate change. The Glacial Dimensions: Art and the Global Ice Melt exhibition, currently on display at Kean’s Karl and Helen Burger Gallery, is both the inspiration and the backdrop for the series. ArtSCAPES, or Art in Science, Climate, and Adaptation: Picturing Environments and Sustainability includes film screenings, a panel discussion, a power dialog with New Jersey lawmakers and lectures by artists and scientists.

“The ArtSCAPES series will bring together artists, scientists and activists to discuss climate change in terms of resources, hydrology of the planet and atmosphere, sustainability and human rights,” said Feng Qi, Ph.D., executive director for SESS. “Through these varied perspectives, we hope to inspire our students and others to learn new approaches to address these critical problems affecting our planet and our lives.”

Glacial Dimensions: Art and the Global Ice Melt
Now through April 26 • Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Karl and Helen Burger Gallery (CAS)
A first-time collaboration between Philadelphia artists who have traveled the world with scientists monitoring the shrinking ice, the exhibit features Diane Burko’s large-scale photographs (Viedma Landscape pictured above) and Paula Winokur’s white porcelain sculptures (Ice cores pictured in header).

Antarctic Edge: 70° South film screening and discussion
March 17, 3:15-5 p.m. • Miron Student Center Little Theatre
A film about a renowned team of scientists studying climate change in the fastest winter-warming place in the world, followed by a discussion with director Dena Seidel.

Climate Change and El Niño
March 29, 3:15-4:15 p.m. • Hennings Hall 113
Dr. Paul Croft of SESS provides an in-depth look at the ongoing effects of El Niño. ​

Power Dialog
April 4 • Nationwide
Join college students across the country in an effort to engage in face-to-face dialog with state-level lawmakers to encourage the implementation of the Clean Power Plan, requiring a 32% decrease in global warming pollution by 2030.

Glacial Dimensions Artists’ Reception

April 12, 5 p.m. • Karl and Helen Burger Gallery (CAS)
Meet-and-greet Glacial Dimensions artists Diane Burko and Paula Winokur.

Mini-Symposium and SESS Poster Session

April 13, 9 a.m.–Noon • Miron Student Center Little Theatre

The Artists’ Perspective
9-10 a.m.
Glacial Dimensions artists Diane Burko and Paula Winokur share their experiences of creating art and traveling with scientists monitoring climate change around the world.

Water Access and Transfer: Equalizing Resources under Climate Change Scenarios
10 a.m.-Noon
Glacial Dimensions artists Diane Burko and Paula Winokur, Antarctic Edge: 70° South director Dena Seidel, NASA scientist Ben Cook, oceanographer Josh Kohut, and human rights advocate Greg Hittelman of the Enough Project will discuss resources, hydrology, sustainability, art and environmental justice.

Earth Week Fair
April 19-22 • Miron Student Center
Explore environmental displays, interactive exhibits and informative workshops and join the Elizabeth River Cleanup efforts.

All ArtSCAPES events, which are free and open to the public, will take place on Kean’s Union campus, located at 1000 Morris Avenue. For more information, contact Dr. Feng Qi, SESS director, at fqi@kean.edu.