California Environmental Voters is partnering with local artists to install works of art in cities across our state. These pieces highlight the impacts of the climate crisis and the need to pass bold federal climate legislation now.
This art activism is taking place as Congress negotiates legislation to modernize our surface transportation infrastructure and make strides towards addressing the climate crisis. Climate investments are a key priority of President Biden’s “Build Back Better” agenda and we’re calling for bold measures to address wildfire prevention and mitigation, jumpstart our transition to clean energy, and ensure clean and safe drinking water for everyone.
We know that Californians are experiencing the impacts of climate change right now and we need our leaders in Congress to take action. We have to meet the scale of the crisis we’re in with comprehensive climate investments!
Check out the photos below from Irvine, Napa, Oceanside, and San Francisco and learn more about what inspired the artists to create these powerful works of art.
Irvine, California
Naomi Duben’s completed art installation in Irvine
Artist Naomi Duben originally thought this would be just another project. But as she got more involved in creating her piece, she realized she was part of a movement. A movement for Californians to visually see the urgency of climate change and its impact on our environment.
“My image shows that even the bear on the California flag, an image of stability, hope and pride, runs when his home is on fire. The motivation behind this piece was to create a piece of work aesthetically and beautifully to draw attention, yet convey a strong and urgent message effectively.”
Naomi Duben at work creating the art installation with chalk
She hopes what people take away from this piece is a reminder. “When climate change and the global impact isn’t interfering with your day-to-day life, it’s easier to overlook. Yet that doesn’t stop or change the impact that it continues to have. I hope this piece shocks people into seeing the things in their lives that have become mundane and automatic and comfortable. A wake-up call, that if the California bear isn’t about to sit around and wait to see what’ll happen, neither should we!”
San Francisco and Napa, California
Cece Carpio’s completed art installation in Napa
Artist Cece Carpio wanted to elevate the threat of wildfires and the climate crisis for Bay Area residents in San Francisco and Napa. “The two pieces were created to create a public display of concern on the climate issues we are dealing with here in our region. Wildfires and climate change are issues that need to be at the forefront of our concerns.”
Cece Carpio with her completed art installation in San Francisco
Cece hopes her art spurs residents to action. “We cannot continue to thrive if we keep destroying our environment. These changes are inevitable. We can demand and be more aware of how we can contribute to preserving and taking care of our environment, so our communities not only survive, but thrive.”
Oceanside, California
Tracy Lee Stum’s completed art installation in Oceanside
Artist Tracy Lee Stum jumped at the opportunity to create an art installation about the climate crisis. Having lived in Southern California for 30 years, she has seen the effects of climate change — from the prolonged drought to some of the largest wildfires on record. “These harsh and unusual conditions have convinced me that climate action is absolutely needed, with no time to waste. I felt it was my privilege and my duty to help out in any way I could, and the best way I felt I could contribute was through bringing this message to the public through my art.”
Tracy Lee Stum and Sayak Mitra put the finishing touches on the Oceanside art installation
Tracy wanted her piece to showcase the coastal region’s natural beauty, reminding all who see it that it is our responsibility to maintain these natural areas. “What happens when we damage or lose these regions through neglect? We lose species of animals, birds, and sea life, which directly impacts our biodiversity. And knowing that all things in nature, and the world in general, are interconnected, where one domino falls, many others follow. If that happens, humanity would no doubt be forced to deal with some dire consequences.”
