We're Reopening! Climate Change Exhibit at the Sun Gallery

1015 E Street near Foothill Blvd., Hayward CA

23 April, 2021

Description

PRESS RELEASE: Climate Change: A Compassionate Connection The Sun Gallery proudly presents its 8th Annual Exhibit on Climate Change and the Environment: 'Climate Change: A Compassionate Connection' at the Sun Gallery in Hayward. The exhibit will be the gallery’s first indoor exhibit in the main gallery since the Pandemic Shelter in Place orders began in March of 2020. The show opened on Friday April 23 and will run through Saturday June 5. An Artists Reception will be held outdoors in the Gallery’s courtyard on Saturday May 1, 2021 from 1-4. The public is invited and admission is free. Light pre-packaged snacks and beverages will be served, and guests are asked to please bring your masks and practice social distancing. All Alameda County health and safety regulations will be in place, along with hand sanitizer stations. During a year of continuing climate change related disasters happening worldwide, this year’s exhibit is focused on the love and compassion that humans can not only extend towards plants and animals, but how humans can interact and also show love and compassion to themselves and their fellow human beings in these times of unprecedented change. “We are all in this together” is one of the main themes during the exhibit. The inspiration for the show came from Director Dorsi Diaz, who has been reflecting on the disconnect of some humans when considering their own species in the context of a changing climate. Recent studies have found interesting results on this phenomena: "Studies suggests that people appear more willing to take action if the perceived threat involves some kind of beloved creature other than them. And the reason is that, at least when it comes to climate change, people seem more motivated by empathy for non-human others than their own self-interest." Dragonflies and airborne creatures are a recurring theme in the show as are water, landscapes and disappearing habitat. Strong spiritual influences permeate the space in the “Airbourne Series” by artist Jon Kerpel and edgy statements abound in Peter Langenbach’s sculptures that fascinate viewers with hidden messages and bold emotions. Drawing on earlier exhibits Diaz laments: “Tragically, our children are the ones who are going to suffer the brunt of climate change, and will be the most affected during their lifetimes. We have not left them a grand legacy but instead a world full of uncertainties with looming mega-disasters like more powerful and increased hurricanes, flooding, storms, cyclones, typhoons, firestorms, rising sea levels and abrupt releases of methane, an extremely potent greenhouse gas that lies beneath the ocean seas and in permafrost areas around the globe.” A Compassionate Connection includes a wide range of additional artists from the East Bay and beyond: Linda Nygard, Hollie Adamic, Claudia Schwalm, Peter and Maureen Langenbach, Ian and Sarah Sammis, Carrie King, Janet Brugos, Dottie Cichon, Anitta Toivio, Sharon DeVetter, Marjorie Lynne Wagner, Judith Rodriguez, Renea Turner and Dorsi Diaz. Ms. Nina Starr, who has served on the Sun Gallery’s Board of Directors for many years, is also the Curator for this years show. Nina is also a very talented artist whose beautiful painted acrylic pieces will be on display in the exhibit. In addition to the exhibit, next years 9th Annual environmental exhibit field trips are also being booked now through the Sun Gallery, who teaches environmental education through art using the “STEAM” method (science, technology. engineering, art and math) Tours can be held inside the Sun Gallery or on site at local schools. The in-school environmental art lessons bring a teacher into the classroom with the books, art and materials to inspire a successful, educational and engaging art project. To book your tour, email the gallery or call Friday-Saturday from 11-4. Sun Gallery is a 501c3 non-profit located at 1015 E St. in Hayward, below Bret Harte Middle School. Hours are Friday and Saturday from 11-4 and admission is free. Both the City of Hayward and The Sun Gallery have been recognized both locally and nationally for their excellence in environmental education and outreach into the community on climate change.