Climate Week NYC: Art and the New Climate Reality

Join us during Climate Week NYC as we look at trees as a vital climate solution and source of inspiration, then broaden out to consider together how arts and cultural programming around climate change can help heal our world. Hear from artists and organizations that are using art and activities to engage and empower the public.

Trees are bearing witness to the effects of climate change around the world and here in New York City—and can teach us critical lessons about adapting to this new reality.

Capacity is limited, free panel ticket is required. Seating opens at 5:45 p.m. in the lower level of the Steinhardt Conservatory; a panel discussion begins at 6:30 p.m. Before or after the discussion, check out the gallery exhibits on display as part of Power of Trees.

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Panelists

Saskia Randle (moderator) is the design and curatorial associate at the Climate Museum, overseeing the museum’s graphic design and digital presence and supporting exhibition conceptualization and research. Prior to joining the Climate Museum in 2018, she wrote for Galerie Magazine, a quarterly art and architecture publication, and directed Columbia Ballet Collaborative, a student-led ballet company at Columbia University. She received her B.A. in Urban Studies with a specialization in architecture and minors in environmental science and art history from Barnard College.

Annel Hernandez is the director of Climate and Environmental Policy at the New York City Council. She also teaches environmental justice and climate resiliency at Columbia University. Previously, she was associate director of the New York City Environmental Justice Alliance leading on city and statewide climate policy issues that further equitable investments in coastal resiliency, green infrastructure, urban forestry, renewable energy, and resilient energy systems. She actively researches the benefits of integrated climate resiliency approaches and developing pathways to implementation in frontline communities. She received her BA in Political Science and Latino Studies from Fordham University, and her MPA in Energy and Environment from Columbia University. Hernandez is a lifelong New Yorker and current resident of Bushwick.

Emily Nobel Maxwell is director of The Nature Conservancy’s Cities Program in New York. An architect of the New York City Urban Forest Agenda and author of the State of the Urban Forest in NYC, she helps lead Forest for All NYC. Maxwell previously led a variety of initiatives related to urban greening, equity, and sustainability in NYC and Philadelphia, focused on parks, community gardens, schools, and the urban forest. Maxwell also authored Building Capacity through Diversity and Urban Coastal Resilience: Valuing Nature’s Role. She has a B.A. in Urban Studies and M.S. in Natural Resource Policy with specialization in Environmental Justice.

Carolyn Monastra is a Brooklyn-based artist, activist, and educator who uses photography, video, public art, and community engagement to address environmental concerns and examine humans’ relationship with our ecosystems. Awards include grants from the Puffin Foundation and BRIC Arts Media, along with residencies at Ucross, Djerassi, Caldera Arts, and Blue Mountain Center, among others. Her photography exhibit “Witness Trees” is currently on display in the Conservatory Gallery here at the Garden.

Gabriela Salazar was born in New York City to architects from Puerto Rico. She has had solo exhibitions at NURTUREart; the Bronx River Arts Center; the Lighthouse Works, Fishers Island; Efrain Lopez Gallery, Chicago; the River Valley Arts Collective at the Al Held Foundation, New York, and with the Climate Museum. Her work has been included in group shows at the Whitney Museum, Socrates Sculpture Park, the Queens Museum, El Museo del Barrio, Someday Gallery, Storm King Art Center, and other spaces. Residencies include Workspace (LMCC); Yaddo, the MacDowell Colony, Abrons Arts Center, the Drawing Center, and the Socrates Emerging Artist Fellowship.