Latest News:
- NEW ART supporting International Dark Sky Week
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Why Urban Nature?
As the Earth becomes more developed, with rapidly expanding megacities and the increased conversion of land to urban use, the human race faces challenges like global climate change, pollution, and loss of biodiversity. We have an opportunity and an obligation to create cities that are healthier for people, wildlife, and plants. Through art, I hope to raise awareness about ways we can experience and support the nature around us — whether it exists in our city, suburb, or small town.
Join the Urban Nature Club: Monthly email with art releases, inspiring photos, and stories.
Art supporting causes
Light pollution impacts wildlife, human health, energy, heritage, and safety. But we have the technology and the knowledge to improve this issue. International Dark Sky Week occurs in April — promoting awareness and special events that celebrate the night sky. The International Dark-Sky Association is building a global community of advocates to spread the word.
Although they are not always visible, frogs and toads reside in urban and suburban environments. They are vital to our ecosystem, serving as predator and prey in the food chain, while providing insect control. These small creatures are easily disregarded in our daily lives but are threatened by loss of wetlands, increasing pollutants, and the chytrid fungus which has caused population declines throughout the world. The Association of Zoos & Aquariums supports amphibian conservation programs.
Bio
As a lifelong environmentalist, I'm especially interested in nature in cities, biodiversity, and citizen science. My paintings, video, and sound works have been shown in Illinois, Michigan, and Virginia.
Education
Master of Arts, Interdisciplinary Arts, Columbia College Chicago
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, Painting, The School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Bachelor of Arts, Art History, Virginia Commonwealth University
Honors & Media
Albert P. Weisman Memorial Scholarship, Columbia College Chicago
Virginia Center for the Creative Arts Residency
Interview blog by Elaine Luther/Angelica Kauffman Galleries
The Virginian-Pilot article by Allissa Bunner
The Virginian-Pilot article by Mary Reid Barrow