Professors prove Art Works for the Earth
by Schuyler Williams, A'05, Intern in the Offices of Public Affairs and Publications
Loyola faculty Craig Hood, Ph.D., professor of biological sciences, and Robert
Thomas, Ph.D., Environmental Communications Chair, have a number of things
in common. Both are professionally trained evolutionary biologists, come from
a background of field biology, and are passionate about sharing the marvels
of their biological interests. "We care deeply about communicating science
and the processes of science to the general public," Hood explained.
It is no surprise that they both are involved in a unique collaboration of
artists and scientists seeking to raise public awareness about the importance
of environmental issues. The project, Art Works for the Earth (AWE), uses
art exhibits and community outreach to merge the language of fine arts and
science to give voice to environmental issues and further the goal of enacting
sound governmental policy. "We wanted to raise awareness that the environment
is important," Hood said.
To achieve this goal, Hood, Thomas, and other members of AWE planned "One Earth, Passionate Voices," an exhibition that joined visual art with environmental science. The exhibit was displayed Oct. 4 Nov 7, at the Duque Art Center on Magazine St. As part of the exhibit, the professors participated in a panel discussion on the perspectives of artists and scientists on environmental issues. The discussions, like the entire exhibit, were designed to engage audience members and make the subject more appealing and understandable to a broad audience.
"It isn't easy to communicate complex scientific and environmental issues to all audiences. One shoe doesn't fit all," Thomas explained. The information had to be tailored to fit various audiences. The key, according to Thomas, is to focus the audience's attention on central issues and then show how those issues affect them. Hood and Thomas kept that in mind when creating their visual banner display for the exhibit. They decided that the facts they chose to use on the banners had to be brief enough to be pondered, and bring focus to pertinent environmental issues. To do that, Hood and Thomas identified the major issues, and then broke those issues down to make them clear and comprehensible. To make the displays more visually appealing, they used photographs and bright color combinations with light text. The resulting display banners were both appealing and provocative. Hood and Thomas thought the banners were so successful, that they are considering using them again in the future in other locations.
The feelings of success carry over to the entire AWE exhibit. Overall, both Hood and Thomas believe the exhibit was successful in bringing attention to environmental issues. "The collaboration of art and science was superb," Thomas said. The exhibit brought together people from different backgrounds, which brought diverse perspectives to the table. People were able to take what they learned and explain it to others, which will help in raising awareness about the importance of environmental issues in politics.
"Everyone came away with new ideas and a new way to articulate something," Hood said.
Hood and Thomas will continue to work with AWE. The group will hold periodical meetings and is considering making the "One Earth, Passionate Voices" exhibit an annual event. In the meantime, both scientists will push on in their fields of interest. Hood is conducting a study of mammalian biodiversity in Jean Lafitte National Park. Thomas, director of Loyola's Center for Environmental Communications, is involved in research analysis of how Louisiana-based environmental issues have been covered in the state and nationally.
