The Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources (RSENR) is made up of a diverse student body working to create a connection between humans and the environment in a just and equitable manner. The School employs empathy, passion, innovation, and creativity to achieve this mission, and the development of the RSENR Inclusive Arts Initiative is an outcome of this goal. The ongoing project is working to showcase artwork created by RSENR students, faculty, and staff throughout the Aiken Center, allowing for greater visibility and representation of unique identities in the School. It is essential to create a dialogue between art and the environment, and to also connect people around a goal of healing and justice.
The Inclusive Arts Initiative prompted artists to create pieces that connect their personal identities and relationships to nature, resulting in an intimate and passionate gallery of work that resonates with a variety of viewers. The intersections of race, sexuality, gender, and many other multifaceted distinctions of self are tied directly to the environment and the way that the world is experienced. Each artist feels a draw towards the natural world and calls for greater understanding and equity between environment, human life, and experience, which promotes the mission of RSENR and UVM itself.
Click on the images below to read the artist’s statements and to learn more about each artist.
We are now accepting submissions for the 2024 gallery, if you are interested in submitting artwork please fill out this form.
Learn more about the Rubenstein School Inclusive Arts Initiative