Great Lakes Echo (https://greatlakesecho.org/tag/art/page/13/)
Paintings, books, music, plays and other arts are effective ways of communicating environmental issues.
The region began to boom as the area embraced a tourist-friendly identity, but surprisingly, many streets, buildings and community traditions have stayed firmly close to their origins of well over a hundred years ago.
In “Canvas Detroit,” Nichole Christian and Julie Pincus profile the Motor City’s brightest and most diverse of up and coming street artists. From murals on boulevards to grass sculptures, their work can actively improve the urban environment and shine a light on previously ignored and abandoned cityscapes. Detroit is a city that needs “problem solving,” Christian says, and art won’t solve it all. But the city is fostering a wickedly creative atmosphere that is ripe for revitalization. Christian recently explained to Great Lakes Echo the importance of street art and how it can revitalize a city.
When they decided to write a book, Minnesota’s Paul Radomski and Alberta’s Kristof Van Assche originally set out to make their lives a little easier. What they created was an idea manual for lakeshore stewardship.
By Greg Monahan
Great Lakes Echo
A new book from longtime journalist Sally Barber takes an environmentally conscious look at exploring outdoor attractions around the Great Lakes state. A new book from longtime journalist Sally Barber takes an environmentally conscious look at exploring outdoor attractions around the Great Lakes state. The Michigan Eco-Traveler is for a “new and growing breed of travelers” who travel with the intention of minimizing the ecological footprint they leave behind. The book has nine chapters, with sections that include features on sustainable kayaking, ski slopes and the most eco-friendly lodging options in the state. “I wanted to show travelers that they can make a positive impact while they’re enjoying the outdoors,” said Barber, a lifelong Michigan resident.
The contest originated in Minnesota in 1999 to promote learning about state fish.The deadline is fast approaching for Wildlife Forever’s annual State-Fish Art Contest! To enter, students (K-12) must submit a portfolio that consists of a handmade artistic depiction of the fish in its natural habitat and a brief personal essay. Entries may be submitted about any state fish or fish of Ontario, Canada. Winners are grouped by grade level and are chosen for artwork and written work, on both the state and national level. Entries must be received by March 31, 2014.
What started as a note on a friend’s windshield evolved into “The Unauthorized Audubon,” a whimsical poetry and art book that offers a peek into a world of quirky imaginary birds.
Many scientists predict that as climate change becomes more extreme, dry and coastal regions around the globe will be heavily impacted by drought and rising sea levels. Entire communities could disappear. The art project, ‘A People’s Archive of Sinking and Melting,’ documents these threatened areas.
Most people who live in the mitten state have fond memories of time spent at one of the Great Lakes. Those memories are what fuel The Great Lakes Book Project.
Ecologist James Ludwig spent his career studying the chemical pollution of the Great Lakes – most notably with the help of his cross-billed cormorant, Cosmos.
Great Lakes Echo recently spoke with Ludwig about his new book, “The Dismal State of the Great Lakes.”
