Catalyst Grant Final Report
“Earth Day at the Everson”
Please provide a brief narrative explaining your project and its outcomes.
As a unique initiative to complement the exhibition “Janet Biggs: Imagination and Desire in a Northern Landscape,” the Everson introduced its inaugural “Earth Day at the Everson” event. This event offered not only Docent-led tours of the exhibition but also a diverse range of tabling opportunities from:
• Novelis (the world’s largest recycler of aluminum)
• Onondaga County Resource Recovery Agency (OCRRA)
• Onondaga County Department of the Environment to discuss recycling initiatives, environmental policy, and environmental concerns
• SUNY ESF with information about their school, volunteer opportunities, and leaf-print making for kids
• Onondaga County Public Library featuring children’s storybook discussing the environment
Local artist Rachel Ivy Clarke sparked interactive conversations by asking visitors for their birth date and then looking up the corresponding temperature that occurred on that day. She also provided the temperature of their birth date in 2023/2024, with each colored square on the quilt representing the temperature change. Meanwhile, local artist Manuel Riviera led engaging activities for children and adults, creating Miniature Art for a Cleaner Planet using scaled-down miniatures of trash, trash cans, dumpsters, and recycling bins to form tiny scenes.
Syracuse University Assistant Professor of Arctic Paleoecology and Paleoclimate Melissa Chipman’s work includes using lake sediments to reconstruct how tundra ecosystems have responded to climate change over thousands of years, primarily in Alaska and Greenland. Her discussion, A Tale of Ice and Fire, highlighted reconstructions of fire and permafrost thaw in the Arctic. She showcased lake sediment cores so the audience could see what they look like and how they are interpreted. She also prepared samples to view under a microscope to see what materials are used to reconstruct environmental change through time.
Artist Sana Musasama was on hand to discuss her exhibition, Returning to Ourselves, which touches on themes of cultural diversity and identity, women’s bodies and rights, and her travels worldwide. Utilizing her artistic medium of clay, Sana touched on the importance of naturally occurring clay in her practice and climate change’s effects on her materials.
With a wide reach, Everson’s ‘Earth Day at the Everson’ event successfully engaged approximately 100 visitors from Syracuse, Rochester, and Ithaca, spanning various age groups from young children to senior citizens. This diverse participation underscores the event’s significance in fostering community engagement and awareness about art, environmental issues, and education.
What is the most remarkable accomplishment or finding of your project?
To date, “Earth Day at the Everson” was the Museum’s first Earth Day-specific event. General staff and Gallery Attendants noted that people enjoyed the event with positive interaction and feedback. This was also the largest tabling event the Everson had arranged in the building. Everson considered the day a success and plans to have annual Earth Day events incorporating environmentalism, education, and art.
How did your project differ from what you originally proposed?
Initially, Everson’s Deputy Director worked to secure a local meteorologist to discuss trends in weather, the climate crisis, and what that means for future seasons. The goal was to incorporate a green screen and video technology so children could learn what it’s like to be a meteorologist and report the weather on camera. Unfortunately, Everson was unable to secure a meteorologist. In its place, the Everson worked with the Syracuse Community Choir. This diverse local choir uses the power of song to educate and inform on topics such as activism, advocacy, social justice, climate change, the environment, and diverse cultures. The Choir performed selections focused on climate change, environmentalism, and activism, as well as leading a sing-a-long for children.
Please provide a brief summary of your evaluation activities and/or results, if available.
General feedback gathered in real-time from guests stated that they enjoyed the event and all it had to offer, including children’s activities, lectures, education, and art.
Anything else you’d like us to know?
This grant allowed us to offer something new and different to the public. Thank you!
Sarah Anson-Ordon
Grant Manager, Everson Museum of Art
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