LA CONNER, WA- In partnership with the Skagit Climate Science Consortium, the Museum of Northwest Art will host its third presentation of Surge in the Fall of 2018.

Surge, an exhibition designed to draw attention to climate change and its impact on the Northwest’s coastal communities, provides a forum for artists, together with environmental researchers and educators, to present the public with new perspectives on issues such as flooding and storm surge.

On Thursday, July 13 from 6-8 pm, artists interested in participating in Surge are invited to a meet-and-greet with participating environmental scientists at MoNA. This informal “Surge Speed Dating Night” will be the first step in building a Surge partnership with an area scientist. Artists and scientists will then collaborate over the summer and early Fall of 2017, swapping fieldwork visits and studio visits to inform a science-based artwork on the state of climate change in our region. Works of art influenced by these summer collaborations will be proposed for inclusion in Surge in September of 2017, one year in advance of the 2018 show. Artist and scientist pairs will then have a calendar year to prepare for the installation.

This low-key evening will include an opportunity for artists, scientists and area educators to socialize and enjoy refreshments. Participating scientists will present on their current research and background and attending artists are also invited to give a presentation on their recent work, areas of interest and background.

Presentation opportunities for artists are given on a first come first serve basis. RSVPs for the event are requested by July 3. The event is FREE.

– Museum of Northwest Art