Art Show: “Art as Inquiry” along with Brushes for a Better Planet Climate Co‑Lab
Exhibited April 2–29, 2026
Artists for Climate Awareness hosted Art as Inquiry, a juried exhibition of climate‑focused 2‑D and 3‑D artwork at the Pillar Arts Alliance Center in Bloomington, Indiana, and online. Featuring work by 25 ACA members from several states, the exhibition served as a central part of our Earth Month celebrations and invited the community to engage with urgent climate and environmental issues through artistic expression. The exhibition explored how climate‑related research can become more accessible through the experience of art.
As of April 19, six artworks created through the Brushes for a Better Planet Climate Co‑Lab art/science project joined the show, displayed alongside the Art as Inquiry pieces.
Two public receptions were held: The first, Art as Inquiry on April 12, and then together with Climate Co‑Lab on April 19. During both events, IU Jacobs School of Music musicians performed “Nature Walk”. Altogether, 120 people attended the two receptions.
Each artwork contributed to the larger story we are telling about the need for climate action and the power of art to inspire conversation and change.
“Nature Walk”: Music and Science Come Together
Presented April 12 and 19
“Nature Walk” was a unique musical performance that brought music and science together during the receptions for the Art as Inquiry exhibition and the associated Climate Co‑Lab art reception at Pillar Arts Alliance Center in Bloomington, IN. Inspired by an early‑spring outing, IU student composers hiked through southern Indiana, observing life in ponds and fields, then created musical pieces based on what they encountered.
The two identical concerts reflected the theme of the Brushes for a Better Planet Co‑lab project, in which artists shadowed scientists in the field to deepen understanding of the natural world through observation and creative interpretation. The Co‑lab exhibition was featured as part of the Artists for Climate Awareness Earth Month show at the Pillar Arts Alliance Center in Bloomington, Indiana.
On behalf of the Student Composers Association at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music composer Thejas Mirle organized the performance and led an ensemble in presenting the new works. Composers included Noah Burns, Jacob Lisiewski, Alexey Logunov, and Emmet Lewis.
Making an Earth Day Sand Mandala
April 18, 2026, Switchyard Park, Bloomington, IN
As part of Bloomington’s Annual Earth Day Celebration at Switchyard Park, Artists for Climate Awareness invited the community to help create a vibrant sand‑mandala sidewalk mural. ACA member, artist, and educator Sara Steffey McQueen led this hands‑on, drop‑in activity for all ages, with a local Girl Scout troop contributing their creativity and energy.
Participants collaborated to design a colorful sand mural using simple shapes and nature‑inspired symbols. The activity celebrated creativity, community, and care for the planet while highlighting how sand art has been used across cultures for reflection, healing, and well-being. The project also connected artistic practice with broader conversations about climate, health, and sustainability.
