This is a guest post by Mavis Muller, who faciliated the workshop that created this stunning 350 up in Alaska! Thanks, Mavis! For more info on how artists are spreading the 350 message, check this out.
At 3:50 pm, 8/22/09, crane enthusiasts attending the Tanana Valley Sandhill Crane Festival, Fairbanks, Alaska, created a 50′ design of a dancing crane utilizing natural materials such as grass, poplar, birch & fireweed.
Participants formed the number 350, the most important number for the world. We join the unified global message being sent to world leaders attending the climate change summit, Copenhagen, Denmark, of the urgent need to reduce CO2 emissions.
This action of art is advocacy for the Sandhill Cranes, and for protection of their threatened habitat from proposed massive oil and gas development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge of the central flyway where cranes and many other species of migratory birds go to nest.
"The migratory cranes that stage at Creamer’s Field Refuge each spring and autumn depend on their nesting habitat up in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge which is already showing signs of devastating climate change. This field painting is our way to advocate for the cranes and their threatened habitat." Melissa Sikes, director, Creamer’s Field Refuge.
"Art is communication. With our creativity we can inspire the world to rise to the challenge of the climate crisis, to create new possibilities for our fragile and precious planet, for humanity and for all life, and to have fun doing it." Mavis Muller, workshop facilitator.