The Roger Tory Peterson Institute in Jamestown, NY, invites artists to submit work for our second annual juried exhibition of Art that Matters to the Planet.

Art that Matters to the Planet explores the ways in which artists can help to shape a more sustainable future. Art that Matters to the Planet 2023: Interconnectivity will focus on trees. Research has shown that beneath every forest and wood, there is an underground web of roots and fungi which connects trees and plants to one another. For Art that Matters to the Planet, we hope to explore how this connectivity of root systems serves as an analogy for the importance of interconnected relationships in creating strong communities.

Artists will be judged based on three criteria:

Originality: artwork that explores dynamic ways to communicate, and demonstrates the persuasive role that artists can play in advocating for the preservation of our earth.

Personal Voice or Vision: artwork with an authentic and unique point of view and style, especially in regards to the artist’s understanding of/research about their subject(s).

Technical Skill: artwork that uses technique to advance an original perspective or a personal vision or voice, and shows skills being utilized to create something unique, powerful, and innovative.

We are especially interested in interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary projects which creatively combine art and science in order to reflect on the relationship between society and nature. In a world of exceptional natural beauty and overwhelming environmental challenges, help us to make a case that art is indispensable to create a better world.

ABOUT THE ROGER TORY PETERSON INSTITUTE

Roger Tory Peterson’s signature contribution to the arc of the global conservation movement was the modern field guide. Trained as an artist, Peterson understood the power of art to inform, inspire and illuminate about the natural world. The experience of using the field guide sparked a revolution–it helped millions of people across the globe really see the natural world. To be inspired by it. To fall in love with it. Throughout his multifaceted career, Peterson helped us to see the challenges, too–the devastating impacts of pesticides, habitat loss and other environmental ills. Through art and action, he also demonstrated that each and every one of us can make a difference in protecting the earth’s diversity of plants and animals.

The Roger Tory Peterson Institute is a living embodiment of the field guide. In fulfillment of our new strategic vision, a primary goal is the nurturing of the next generation of artists working at the nexus of art and nature. More than ever, we need art–we need artists–to explore dynamic new ways to help us experience the beauty of the natural world, the environmental challenges we face, and the opportunities for recovery and redemption.

Application Requirements

Artists should focus on a specific series or project which aligns with the exhibition themes. Artists may submit any combination of materials that provide a holistic picture of their overall artistic practice. In addition to images of finished artwork and an artist statement, submitted materials may include images of sketches, journal entries, photographs, published writing, videos or other relevant materials. All submitted materials must be available for inclusion in the exhibition. Include descriptions both for series/projects and individual artworks, including title, date, processes, materials, dimensions, and insurance value. Once artists are selected by the jury, RTPI will partner with artists to decide which works will be featured in the exhibition. RTPI may choose multiple works from selected artists in order to fully represent a series or project. Artists may also include whether they would be interested in presenting talks, workshops, or demonstrations, should scheduling allow.

Eligibility Criteria

Emerging, mid-career, and established artists are eligible and encouraged to apply.