Rooted Art Show to feature sustainable art April 7

PLNU will host the second annual Rooted Art Show sponsored by SustainPLNU and Plant with Purpose to emphasize sustainability this April.

The art show seeks to allow individuals to approach the topic of sustainability and try to think about it in new ways.

“Sustainability can sometimes feel complex or out of reach, something only done by ‘scientists,’” said Trisha Stull, PLNU’s sustainability officer, via email. “Promoting sustainability through an art lens allows individuals who may not have thought they had a voice to share their ideas about sustainability as well.”

Over 70 students attended last year’s kickoff which featured 20 submissions to the art show.

“Last year we received paintings, photography, sculptures, poems, graphic design pieces and more,” said Annelise Jolley, outreach coordinator at Plant With Purpose, via email. “One of the highlights was a 7-foot-tall cross created from repurposed materials such as rebar, glass and wood.”

The planning committee for this year’s event consists of Stull, Jolley and senior sustainability assistant Kirstie Hibbard, though most of the promotion and assistance will come from students. This year, the goal is to expand student and faculty interest in the environment and help focus their interest.

“We hope to build on the success of last year’s event and engage students who are environmentally and internationally conscious,” said Jolley. “It will also provide students and faculty with new avenues to engage in sustainable development, environmental justice and kingdom work.”

Submissions for the art show remain open until Tuesday, March 31 and all students, staff and faculty are invited to submit their take on the themes of nature and sustainability.

“Rooted allows individuals from the campus to approach sustainability creatively and allows them to ponder what sustainability means through art,” said Stull.

This year the event will be held April 7 at Colt Forum and will feature an ice cream bar.