Walkers on the UW-Milwaukee campus might have noticed some unusual and artful additions recently, including more than 1,200 sticks planted in the earth along Downer Avenue.
They’re part of art history graduate student Pam Caserta Hugdahl’s thesis exhibition. Called “ECO Ephemeral,” the exhibition focuses on environmentalism in art.
Caserta Hugdahl explores the topic of art and environmentalism through works by Madison-based artist Thomas Ferrella, artists’ books from the UWM Libraries Special Collections and UWM Sustainability initiatives. Ferrella also created artwork along UWM sidewalks based on his painting “Endangered Wisconsin, 2011.”
Ferrella’s four works that are temporarily on display are:
- “What Shapes Us” – the sandbar willow installation at the corner of Downer and Edgewood avenues.
- “What We Shape”- 25 names of endangered and invasive species hand painted on UWM walkways in biodegradable pigments.
- “Imagine” from the “Drift” series – a sign made of reclaimed lumber located in the Spiral Garden.
- “Endangered Wisconsin” – a painting hanging in the Grind at Golda Meir Library.
An opening celebration was held Friday, Sept. 16, at the Golda Meir Library. The exhibition will be on display through Oct. 10.
