Peabody Essex Exhibits Highlight Climate, Environmental Crisis

SALEM, MA — Two new exhibits designed to heighten awareness of the urgency of climate change and environmental issues are set to open at the Peabody Essex Museum in April.

The exhibit openings are timed to debut around school vacation and Earth Day.

The exhibit Climate Action: Inspiring Change opens on April 16 and runs through July 30. Peabody Essex said it "brings together dynamic contemporary art, hands-on experiences and inspiring works by youth artists to help guide us toward making a difference for the planet."

Konstantin Dimopoulos: The Blue Trees is described as an environmental call to action in the form of a participatory installation. Using a biologically-safe watercolor and a team of
community volunteers, the artist temporarily transforms a selection of trees on PEM's campus to focus our attention on the growing issue of deforestation and other threats to trees around the globe.

Installation of that exhibit will begin on April 20 as PEM's April School Vacation Week: Earth Week – Art in Action kicks off.

"Young people around the globe are leading the way for an equitable transition to a carbon-free future," said Jane Winchell, PEM’s Sarah Fraser Robbins Director of The Dotty Brown Art & Nature Center and exhibition curator. "They're asking brave questions, protesting against environmental injustice, starting community climate projects and sharing their hopes and fears about the climate through the power of art and creative expression.

"Their resolve shows us that this is not a time for despair, but a time to come together to create a culture of optimism and possibility."

Winchell said the exhibits are meant to create discussion and action around crucial issues that remain a secondary concern for many.

"The majority of Americans are anxious about the climate, yet only a small percentage of us actually talk about it or know how to make a positive impact," Winchell said. "Climate
change is an issue that touches and connects us all, regardless of who we are or where we live.

"While all of us are affected, we are not all affected equally. Studies show that negative health and energy burdens brought about by climate change disproportionately affect the poor and people of color. Our choices and actions regarding the environment will require imagination and vision, and the steps we take today will have far-reaching ramifications.

"The goal is for each of us to move beyond our fear and feelings of helplessness and make informed choices to take positive steps forward. Collectively, as a growing community, we can take actions that will help lead to a climate-stable and environmentally just future for all."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)