BOONE, NC — May 6, 2025 — The Climate Stories Collaborative, co-coordinated by Dr. Lorraine Affourtit (Art) and Assistant Professor, Dr. Derek Davidson (Theatre & Dance), and the Pathways to Resilience QEP at Appalachian State University, directed by QEP Associate Director Laura England and Dr. Shea Tuberty, recently hosted notable Climate Artist Jill Pelto for a series of Earth Week events that engaged the campus community through art and science. Art Lecturer Jennie Carlisle assisted with the coordination of the Climate Stories Showcase.
Dr. Lorraine Affourtit said this of the collaboration, "We were especially proud to have our visiting artist events dovetail with the Climate Stories Showcase and Earth Week this year. The showcase offers opportunities for students, faculty, and staff across campus to engage in meaningful creative expression related to climate change. It is wonderful to see the democratization of creative practice that this showcase encourages, with participants in Math, Biology, English, and beyond exhibiting artworks alongside art department students and faculty members."
Event Highlights:
- Climate Stories Showcase: An exhibition featuring climate change-focused artistic works by students and faculty ran from April 22-May 1 in the Plemmons Student Union, showcasing diverse media including drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, and video.Science Communication Workshop: On Earth Day (April 22), Pelto led a hands-on data-art workshop teaching participants to communicate climate science through creative expression.
- Performance Arts: The "Climate of Change" performance, directed by Dr. Gina Grandi and performed by App State Theatre & Dance students, captivated audiences on April 22.
- Faculty Panel: A "Combining Art & Science for Climate Learning" panel discussion on April 24 featured Pelto alongside faculty from Art and Biology departments, including April Flanders, Jessica Greenfield, Dr. Ava Udvadia, and Drew Jenkins.
- Showcase Reception: The exhibition culminated with an April 24 reception featuring student and faculty performances including poetry, short stories, and plays.
The Printmaking Club, mentored by Assistant Professor (Art) Josh Winkler, also participated by offering Earth Day t-shirt printing with the Climate Stories 2025 logo.
CONTACT:
Art Office
artoffice@appstate.edu
828-262-2220
https://art.appstate.edu/
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About Appalachian State University's Department of Art
The Department of Art at Appalachian State University offers comprehensive programs in studio art, graphic design, art education, graphic communication management, photography, art history and art management, emphasizing both technical mastery and conceptual development. For more information, visit art.appstate.edu.
About the College of Fine and Applied Arts
Appalachian State University's College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of seven academic departments, bringing together a variety of perspectives, experiences, and real-world education to provide unique opportunities for student success. The college has more than 3,500 undergraduate and graduate majors. Its departments are Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and Theatre and Dance. Learn more at cfaa.appstate.edu.
About Appalachian State University
As the premier public undergraduate institution in the Southeast, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. The Appalachian Experience promotes a spirit of inclusion that brings people together in inspiring ways to acquire and create knowledge, to grow holistically, to act with passion and determination, and to embrace diversity and difference. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System. Appalachian enrolls nearly 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio, and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors.
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