The Word for World is Forest

In the wake of Pope Resources aerial spraying glyphosate blend over forest land directly impacting Jefferson County’s water reservoir and watershed, Maureen Walrath and I curated a show investigating the potentials of healthier forest management.  Entering the gallery there were wall-sized paintings on three sides by me, Mo, Kyra and Elijah Berry.  Jacob Nachel wrote an essay for the show and Patrick and Maureen Ryland performed original songs written for the event.  Other local artists who included work were Adrianna Santiago, Maria Melito, Sara Johani and Aaron Cyrus Dorr.  Jefferson Land Trust included posters introducing their Chimacum Ridge community managed forest project.  Tassie Mardikes showed a piece related to glyphosate and its effect on a growing baby in the womb.  

Maureen, Kyra and Kira painted a 20 foot mural in the entryway of the gallery. On the left it depicts the current forestry practices, which will degrade the soil in a matter of decades and release a toxic cocktail into the ecosystem.  On the right, informed by forester Malloree Weinheimer of Chickadee Forestry, Erik Kingfisher of the Jefferson Land Trust and entomologist Richard Lewis is a depiction of sustainably managed forest land.  This side shows diversity, thinning, varying tree heights and protection of endangered species.  At the center of the mural is a coyote family in front of a stump with a cedar sapling, red huckleberry and sword fern growing from it.  Above is an endangered marbled murrelet egg and adults flying out to either side.  Below is Chimacum Creek, full of salmon on the right and skeletons and herbicides on the right.

Piece:  20 foot mural was painted with Maureen Walrath and Kyra Wiethorn, Acrylic paint and gouache.

Show contributors: Sara Johani, Adrianna Santiago, Maureen Walrath, Kyra Wiethorn, Maria Melito, Tassie, Patrick and Maureen Ryland, Jacob Nachel, Aaron Cyrus Dorr, Elijah Berry, Alisha Cassandra Douglas, Katey Rissi and Richard Lewis, Lawrence Cole

Role: Artist, Curator 

Where: Old Alcohol Plant Gallery, Port Hadlock, WA

When: September 1-29, 2019