Art Exhibition: “Distant Thunder”
Artists for Climate Awareness hosted a show of climate art in the Arts Alliance Center in Bloomington, Indiana and online from April 3 to 28, 2025 at the Arts Alliance Center in the College Mall, Bloomington, IN. This juried exhibition, a featured part of our Earth Month celebrations, was intended to raise awareness about urgent climate and environmental issues through artistic expression and community engagement. The show represents Artists for Climate Awareness members in several states.
The theme, Distant Thunder, is named after haiku from the poet W.H. Auden. In this piece, Auden compared thoughts of his own demise to “the distant roll of thunder at a picnic.” Similarly, the oncoming effects of climate change and human-caused environmental damage will eventually affect all of us. Nonetheless, we go about our lives as usual, until the gale is upon us.
The month-long event will host additional climate awareness events, including:
- A reception on Sunday, April 6 at 3 pm, followed at 4 & 5 pm by a music program (two showings), “Ceremony for Our Land,” featuring environmentally themed and indigenous-inspired music composed and performed by Grace McKenzie and Daixuan Ai, IU Jacobs School of Music.
- A talk, Bridging Creativity and Conservation,” by artist Avon Waters on April 11, 6 pm to 7:30 pm, on using art to raise environmental awareness and action
- A workshop, Color Theory Demystified for Artists, by nature artist Avon Waters on April 12 at the Arts Alliance Center
- “Nature Walk,” a musical and narrative presentation on April 26 at 1 pm at the Arts Alliance Center; music led by IU School of Music student Thejas Mirle and four composers; narrative provided by Distinguished IU Biology Professor Roger Hangarter
Purpose of the Show
Offering a Collective Voice: We believe that climate change is a multifaceted issue, and the more perspectives we showcase, the richer the conversation becomes. We honor all participating artists with their compelling range of ideas, skillsets, and mediums.
Honoring Excellence: While the exhibition focused on the inclusivity of voices, we also wanted to celebrate outstanding contributions. Our panel of professional judges has selected works reflecting exceptional artistry and impact. These were spotlighted within the gallery and awarded during the opening event.
Including Everyone’s Role in the Story: Each piece in the exhibition contributed to the overarching story we are telling about the urgent need to address climate change. These artistic visions play a crucial role in inspiring conversation and action.
