MEDFORD, OR – On February 17, The Southern Oregon Climate Action Network (SOCAN) will host It’s a Rogue Thing: Bringing Climate Concerns Home, an event aiming to connect communities across the valley and creatively address the challenges of our changing climate. It is scheduled from 1:00 to 3:30 pm at the Medford Public Library.
The event will feature representative Peter Buckley and other local leaders along with musical performances and an ambitious community art project. Participants of all ages are invited to decorate tiles inspired by two simple questions: What do you love about living in the Rogue Valley? And, What worries you when you think about climate change? Those individual art pieces will collectively create the scales on a 120-foot mosaic of a salmon – the iconic image of the valley, made of the vision of those from the valley.
Rogue Climate Art Event
SOCAN was inspired to host a community event on the 17th in solidarity with the Forward on Climate rally, which will take place on the same day in Washington, DC. Hannah Sohl, a SOCAN organizer, says A Rogue Thing is about empowering our communities to take action locally. “It’s about quality of life,” said Sohl, “We’re all in this together, and we want our elected officials to make climate policy our highest priority.”
“Climate change impacts us all, and it is time for us to start protecting our homes, our communities, and our valley,” said event co-organizer Camila Thorndike. “Our goal is to bring people together and kick-start our creativity and innovation.”
Individuals, organizations and schools can participate in advance by decorating cardboard tiles. The giant fish image will require 800 tiles to complete, schools and community members have already committed to decorating 550.
The Rogue Valley is projected to increase average annual temperatures by 1 to 3 degrees F by 2040 and 4 to 8 degrees F by 2080, according to a 2008 report by the Climate Leadership Initiative and the Ashland-based GEOS Institute. Climate scientists predict this increase will severely compromise natural systems in the Valley, including agriculture, forestry and fisheries.
“We can’t afford any more false solutions,” said Sohl. “It’s time to invest in a renewable energy economy that will create jobs, and ensure a stable future for our Valley and our families.”
Can’t make the event but want to contribute a tile? Join us before the event:
- Friday, Feb. 8: 3:00 pm – 5:30 pm, Ashland Art Center
- Saturday, Feb. 9: 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm, Rogue Gallery and Art Center
- Sunday, Feb. 10: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, Ashland Art Center
For more information, contact: Hannah Sohl
541-840-1065
Facebook: Rogue Climate Art
Website: http://soclimate.org
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