The new exhibit features local artist John Gutoskey’s mixed-media work and opens Thursday November 7th with a talk by the artist followed by a reception. The exhibit will be up for eight weeks. The Art and Environment Gallery at the School of Natural Resources and Environment was created to draw attention to the role of art in environmental education and stewardship. The gallery is located inside LEED-certified Dana, the University of Michigan’s greenest building.

John Gutoskey’s show, “Upcycled Icons,” transforms discarded waste into sacred artifacts; his work shows how humble discarded materials can create the same visual impact as precious metals and jewels. Gutoskey uses these “upcycled icons” to explore alternative representations of spiritual energy, and present a queer perspective on social and religious issues.

“The arts provide a common language across cultures and professions,” explains gallery director and curator Sara Adlerstein. “This gallery provides a forum for people to meet across disciplinary fields and within the community to talk about environmental issues.” Whether through educational outreach, starting conversations, or encouraging reflection on nature’s value, the environmental arts convey compelling messages about sustainability.