Art students at WSU and environmental expert Kayla Wakulich have joined forces to create a unique, multidisciplinary public exhibit that will open to the public on Thursday, September 22, from 2 – 4 p.m. at Thomas Hammer in downtown Pullman. Attendees will spend the afternoon viewing art, learning about an important local ecological restoration project while enjoying tea or coffee.
Kayla Wakulich, a graduate student in the WSU School of the Environment, will give a brief talk about her work protecting and restoring an important local resource: The Missouri Flat Creek. The Missouri Flat Creek runs through downtown Pullman, yet it remains a little-known and often neglected body of water. Wakulich is hoping to help change that.
“Science is coming to a point where we need more than just peer reviewed journal articles to explain theories and processes,” Wakulich asserts. “What we need is to walk the boundaries of science, art, and community engagement to entice the community into action with restoration, as well as an understanding that we share the responsibilities of Pullman-whether it’s four or forty years of residency.”
Wakulich will discuss ongoing efforts to eliminate invasive plants and revive native Palouse vegetation allowing native species to thrive.
Joe Hedges, Assistant Professor of Painting/Intermedia at WSU, will introduce paintings on display created by WSU undergraduate students in Fine Arts 321 and 423. These paintings were created over the course of several weeks at the Missouri Flat Creek or inspired by visits to the creek. Hedges explains, “Art has the unique ability to engage with any discipline or issue. Students are excited to get out of the classroom and put their skills to use in highlighting the creek and this important environmental work happening there.” Paintings will be available for sale with 50% of proceeds going to help restore the creek.
At the city’s founding in 1886, Pullman was originally called Three Forks, a homage to the confluence of the Dry Fork, the South Fork of the Palouse River, and the Missouri Flat Creek. This exhibit shows that clean bodies of water and thriving natural spaces are as important and beautiful as ever.
Missouri Flat Creek Art and Ecology Exhibition Opening
Thursday, September 22, 2016
2 – 4 p.m. | Talks begin at 2:30 p.m.
Thomas Hammer, 400 E Main Street, Pullman
Art Exhibit Runs September 22 – October 13, 2016
