Art for science's sake: Communicating climate warming in the Wisconsin northwoods

The project has the general purpose of examining if, and how, artists and scientists can communicate and collaborate over mutual concerns about the environment.The project was also mission-oriented in a more specific way, to use art to communicate to non-scientific audiences in communities throughout the region about climate change and how it may affect northern forests in the state. To do this artists and ecologists attended a three-day workshop in the northwoods where we shared informal talks and discussion, and spent time on field trips--both of an ecological and artistic nature. Scientists led field discussions on the ecosystems we visited-- forest, bog, lakes. Artists in turn used the information and environment to create installations in the field.  Following this, artists are spending several months creating art that will form a traveling exhibit to galleries in the region, along with scientific information on climate warming. Educational materials for schools are being developed and interactive presentations will be made by artists, scientists, and outreach specialists.