Great Lakes Article:

Climate change exhibit near Ashland mixes scientists with artists
By Mike Simonson
91.3 KUWS (WI)
Posted May 4, 2007

A traveling art exhibit is trying to get people thinking about changes occurring in the northland’s environment. Danielle Kaeding reports from Superior.

Twenty artists and seven scientists will feature their combined efforts through artwork, sculptures, paintings and research to raise awareness on changes in northwestern Wisconsin’s climate. Ashland’s Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center will feature the climate change exhibit. Exhibit coordinator Terry Daulton says they wanted artists and scientists working together to get people thinking with their heads and their hearts. “It’s hard sometimes for the scientists to communicate to average people what the science is all about and the idea was if we could involve artists in communicating some of those concepts that might help the public to better understand not only the science but how they feel about climate change, how they feel about our region and what might be important.” Daulton says the exhibit opening will feature presentations from scientists, writers and artists from the northland. Artwork from high school students in Ashland will also be displayed…along with a real bog. Daulton says bogs are at risk. “Plants and animals that use bog habitats are going to be less likely to do well. So, that’s one of the areas we’re focusing on in the exhibit to help people to see what is a bog, what’s important about it, and how does it fit into the picture of climate change.” Daulton says there’s plenty for people to play around with at the exhibit. “People can go through the exhibit and listen to things. There are booklets that are part of the exhibit mounted to the wall where you can read additional information. There’s a place where you can write your own journal comments. Add a leaf to a tree sculpture that talks about what we might all do to make a difference. The idea between that tree sculpture as the exhibit grows and moves from place to place the tree will have more and more leaves, and you’ll see that if we all do one little thing we can make a difference.” Daulton hopes that folks in the community will take advantage of the event. The exhibit’s grand opening will be on Saturday May 5 and runs from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The exhibit will remain on display until July 31.