I’m home in Twisp after a busy and fun week in Seattle. Polar Science Weekend was a success- I hung four framed watercolors from my new Antarctic Iceberg series and brought a number of my field sketchbooks, supplies, and some handouts to share with the visitors. I also made a “How to Draw a Penguin in 5 Steps” worksheet this year that was especially popular with younger kids.

Polar Science Weekend was a great opportunity to meet families and people of all ages as well as the local scientific community who I hope to continue collaborating with. I do truly believe that art and science overlap through making observations and cultivating curiosity. While I love my personal time out sketching and in the studio, I’m delighted to share the art of sketching and nature journaling with others to encourage awareness of the environment.

On that note, following Polar Science Weekend, I gave a presentation and series of workshops for the 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders at the University Child Development School in Seattle. It’s a lovely school with wonderful kids! I look forward to working with them again soon. If you’re interested in hosting a workshop or event, please learn more here and contact me with any questions.

Please contact me with any questions.

Special thanks to my “Nature’s Pages” workshop for sharing your beautiful books!

The North Cascades have more than 700 glaciers, the highest percentage of glaciers in the lower 48 states- and they’re all receding. Save a few that have withdrawn so far up the high slopes of the mountains that they are protected by shadows and now in equilibrium.

For those of us in the Seattle area, we face consequences for this loss of ice. The glaciers contribute billions of gallons of water into 6 watersheds that flow into Puget Sound. The North Cascade glaciers have served as a buffer against drought and drain into rivers, which provide us with a consistent water supply. Many of the rivers are also dammed and provide hydroelectric electric power. Glaciers also contribute to the stability of rivers which in turn fosters their habitat. The Skagit river supports all five species of salmon. That reminds me, I read an interesting article recently by Alex Steffan on World Changing that discusses how river and mountain ecosystems depend on salmon to remain healthy. Click here for the article.

After Jon Riedel’s presentation, one woman asked, “Is there a high rate of depression for glaciologists?” It reminded me of solastagia, the phenomenon of feeling displaced in our own homes due environmental changes that I’ve seen more and more in the news lately. World Changing has an article about it as well.

The event ran for four days (March 6 – 9) with nearly 7700 visitors. All in all it was great fun, albeit tiring to be on my feet all day talking. I met some inspirational people including Mark Schrader is a renowned sailor and member of “Sailors for the Seas.” He’s organizing a two year voyage “Around the America’s” to raise awareness for ocean health. The Pacific Science Center is partnering with his project to promote exhibits and educational opportunities. I think it’s a wonderful idea and am considering ideas for a possible expeditionary art component.

Another interesting fellow I met is Warren Buck, a physics professor from the University of Washington and avid artist. Warren shared stories with me of his endeavors to oil paint underwater! And I thought polar conditions were challenging…

Throughout the weekend, a highlight was meeting young people and watching their eyes light up while looking at my paintings. “You painted these?” They’d ask. One young girl (maybe 6 or 7 years old) looked over my paintings and said in a firm, low voice, “I hate climate change.” She continued with, “I wish it were like the olden days, when we didn’t have to worry and had things like the electric car…” We talked about small changes we can all make, taking the bus, cycling, and buying more local foods. I commend this young lady for caring!