Seeing climate change through art

Exhibit based on Arctic research comes to Jefferson Museum of Art and History

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The Jefferson Museum of Art and History will present an interdisciplinary exhibition that features the 47 consecutive years of Arctic research by ornithologist George Divoky.

Studying the Black Guillemots of Cooper Island in Alaska since 1972, Divoky has been compiling compelling evidence of climate change.

Opening Thursday, Aug. 5, this research will be presented through the artwork of Port Townsend-based expeditionary artist Maria Coryell-Martin along with support from educator Katie Morrison.

The series of paintings and stories illustrate the consequences of a warming Arctic.

Coryell-Martin and Morrison accompanied Divoky, traveling to the North Slope of Alaska, for black guillemot research on Cooper Island. They worked to record data on the population and health of the seabirds.

While in the field, Coryell-Martin sketched with ink and watercolor. She also collected multimedia recordings which would become the foundation for additional studio paintings.

“Her work illustrates the environment and scientific process with a human touch, making the work and data related to climate change relatable to audiences of all ages,” the museum said in its announcement of the exhibition.

“Witnessing Climate Change” runs through December 2021. The exhibition will be accompanied by multiple programs and opportunities to engage with the content, artist, educator, and scientist.

Visit www.jchsmuseum.org for information on the exhibit, about the artist and educator, and more.