If you're looking for vanishing pollinators this weekend, head over to the Marin Civic Center, 3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael, and see the ecoart exhibit produced by WEAD, the Women Environmental Artists Directory.
The occasion is the 2010 Bioneers Conference, focusing on food and farrming. The conference opened today (Oct. 15) and continues through Sunday, Oct. 17.
Entrance to see the art exhibit, displayed in the Marin Civic Center Auditorium and Exhibit Hall through Sunday, is free.
What is WEAD? Basically, these are artists focusing on women's unique perspectives, "collaborating internationally to further the field and understanding of ecological and social justice art," according to their mission statement.
Twenty-five artists are showing their work. In a statement released to the news media, they said they are exploring "the urgent plight of endangered pollinators. Essential to survival of all plants and trees, fruits and vegetables, pollinators range from beetles, bats, butterflies, and moths to ants. The media often ignores the issue’s urgency. Fortunately, the federal government, recognizing incipient
danger, is now initiating research to develop programs to deter decline."
Very true. We often think of bees and butterflies as pollinators, but pollinators can be beetles, ants and even flies. Look around in your garden. There could be a tachinid tucked on a lavender leaf, a parasitic fly perched on a rose petal, or a beetle crawling around the bed of alyssum.
Among the work you'll see is that of visual artist Carol Newborg. She's a mixed-media installation artist who uses natural materials and natural forms.
"I've also worked in community arts for many years and I believe in the importance of art and access to making art for all," said Newborg, who lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Newborg has two pieces in the show,"Disappearing Mission Blue" and "Disappearing Luna."
We know of the declining population of honey bees and bumble bees. Let's hope that they and other pollinators don't decline AND disappear.
Attached Images:
Disappearing Mission Blue
Disappearing Luna