Real People, Real Climate, Real Changes will be on display through February
The USC Upstate Library is now hosting an exhibit exploring the science of climate change. The panel exhibit, “Real People, Real Climate, Real Changes,” opened this month and will be on display through Feb. 28.
Visitors can take part in interactive displays and view artwork by painter and sculptor Jenny Bonner. Bonner is a lecturer in USC Upstate’s Visual Arts program. Her artwork “Conserve (Footprint)” includes two paintings, inspired by “wilderness areas in Spartanburg and beyond, such as the Cottonwood Trail and Pisgah National Forest,” according to the library.
The National Science Foundation National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) and the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) Center for Science Education have developed the traveling exhibit.
“We’re excited to host the ‘Real People, Real Climate, Real Changes’ exhibit at the USC Upstate Library. It’s in keeping with the library’s aim to have resources and information on subjects that are meaningful to our community of users and are relevant to the university’s curriculum,” said John Barnett, dean of the USC Upstate Library.
“The environment was a theme in this year’s Preface selection, ‘One Foot in Eden’ by Ron Rash. We hope this exhibit serves as an effective complement to this first-year student common read.”
Visitors have the opportunity to share their feelings about climate change at the end of the exhibit. A new topic is explored each week.
“We’re pleased with the positive response so far, as evidenced by the writing and artwork students have contributed to the ‘Our Climate Stories’ board, one of the interactive features of the exhibit that allows viewers to share their thoughts and concerns about climate change,” Barnett said.
“We’re also thrilled to have original artwork by painter, sculptor, installation artist, and USC Upstate lecturer Jenny Bonner featured in the exhibit. The National Center for Atmospheric Research tries to tailor the exhibit to each location, so it’s an honor to have Jenny’s beautiful, poignant piece, ‘Conserve (Footprint),’ on display. The work was especially commissioned and created for the exhibit’s visit to USC Upstate.”
“The work immerses you in the wildness and beauty of the environment that we are privileged to enjoy in Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina,” Barnett continued. “At the same time, it is a thought-provoking piece, illustrating the very real impact of climate change and environmental degradation. I think the piece underscores both what we treasure and take for granted in our environment.”
The exhibit is located in the library’s first-floor café. The USC Upstate Library is located at 150 Gramling Drive, Spartanburg, South Carolina.
To view the USC Upstate Library hours, visit: https://uscupstate.libcal.com
Contact the USC Upstate Library at 864-503-5620 (Administrative Office), 864-503-5611 (Access Services Desk)