The climate crisis is more than a scientific issue; it is an emotional, psychological, and social challenge that touches every aspect of human life. E(art)h Resilience: Creativity in the Face of Eco-Anxiety explores how art can serve as a powerful medium for processing eco-anxiety and fostering resilience in the face of environmental uncertainty. Rooted in interdisciplinary research and hands-on workshops, this exhibition highlights the intersection of art, emotional healing, and environmental activism.

Nine student artists from diverse academic backgrounds participated in a series of workshops designed to connect creative practice with sustainability and emotional awareness. Through the use of recycled and natural materials, participants created works that reflect their personal experiences with climate change, ranging from themes of grief and loss to renewal and hope. Their creative artworks—including mixed-media sculptures, paintings, mandalas, and collaborative installations—invite viewers to consider the emotional toll of the environmental crisis and the potential for creative transformation.

Central to the exhibition is its emphasis on process and community engagement. The art-making sessions were not isolated activities but part of a broader reflective process, where participants shared their stories, engaged in critical dialogue, and explored how their emotions shaped their creative work.

A defining feature of E(art)h Resilience is its archival approach—the exhibition functions as a living research space, incorporating a dedicated library corner that showcases documentation from the creative process. This archive includes sketches, written reflections, workshop images, video recordings, and participatory audience contributions. Rather than presenting static final works, the exhibition immerses viewers in the research process, encouraging them to engage with an evolving dialogue on how creativity can mediate environmental distress.

By weaving together artistic experimentation, emotional reflection, and environmental awareness, E(art)h Resilience challenges viewers to rethink their relationship with the planet. It presents art not only as a mode of individual expression but as a collaborative tool for healing, resilience, and envisioning a sustainable future.

On Display: February 18 – February 28, 2025, 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Opening Reception & Artist Talk: February 18, 2025 | 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Community Workshop: February 21, 2025 | 3:00 – 5:00 PM
Location: Student Union Gallery, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Room 235, Student Union Building

Participants: Aaron Rodriguez, Bo Kim, Claire Schwartz, Kiersten Chan, Luis Pinto Jimenez, Marissa Martinez, Mira Le, Nicki Hagen, Poldo Drilon

Curated by: Bo Kim

Supported by SGA & GSG