Open Call for Artists: Art that Matters to the Planet Exhibition – Interconnectivity

The Roger Tory Peterson Institute is a leader for the study, exhibition and nurturing of art that matters to the planet. Through world class exhibitions and programs, RTPI illuminates the beauty of nature; challenges us to confront environmental issues of regional, national and global concern; and inspires us to preserve the earth’s biodiversity – Excerpt from RTPI’s mission statement.

Roger Tory Peterson’s art mattered to the planet. Through the lens of art, his famous field guides have awakened millions of people to the beauty and wonder of birds. In the pursuit and practice of his art, be became a world-renowned expert on birds and passionately advocated for their protection.

RTPI honors Peterson’s legacy by nurturing the next generation of nature artists. Among the ways we fulfill this goal is Art that Matters to the Planet. This signature annual exhibition explores ways in which artists engage with nature so that we can better understand how art and artists can help to shape a more sustainable future. In curating the exhibition, RTPI considers holistically the artistic practice of nature artists. With their artistic practice — a combination of the influences, ideas, techniques, research, and processes which inform their art-making and activism — the artists selected for Art that Matters to the Planet exhibitions ask viewers to reflect on the relationship between society and nature.

This year’s theme is Interconnectivity. Inspired by the emerging science and insights of Suzanne Simard (Finding the Mother Tree) and Peter Wohlleben (The Hidden Life of Trees), this juried exhibition will focus on the underground network of tree roots, and how communication and nutrient sharing helps trees to thrive. Highlighting the connectivity of trees will serve as an analogy for the importance of interconnected relationships and resource sharing in creating strong communities.

If you are an artist, please look over the open call for entries and consider applying to be part of this exhibition. If you know artists whose work resonates with RTPI’s mission and the description of this exhibition, please send them the link to the open call for entries. The entry deadline is 11:59 p.m. MDT on March 19, 2023. All applications are through Café. Click here for more information and to start your submission.

The exhibition will open on July 24 and run through October 8, 2023. Plan your visit now — you won’t want to miss this exhibition.