Climate Change and the Liberal Arts
Music and Printmaking
for the Earth Community
We stand at a critical moment in Earth’s history, a time when humanity must choose its future. As the world becomes increasingly interdependent and fragile, the future at once holds great peril and great promise. To move forward we must recognize that in the midst of a magnificent diversity of cultures and life forms we are one human family and one Earth community with a common destiny. We must join together to bring forth a sustainable global society founded on respect for nature, universal human rights, economic justice, and a culture of peace. Towards this end, it is imperative that we, the peoples of Earth, declare our responsibility to one another, to the greater community of life, and to future generations.
- The Earth Charter
- The Earth Charter
Let's say we really do stand "at a critical moment in Earth's history," and we really do need to "join together to bring forth a sustainable global society founded on respect for nature, universal human rights, economic justice, and a culture of peace." All of this is, in fact, true. We really do need to join together for the common good of the the planet.
Imagine, then, that you are a college student, with a special talent in music or art, and that you, too, want to be part of this collaborative effort. You want to share your talents with others and, in doing so, communicate an ecological mindset that is the best hope of the world. If you are lucky, you will have teachers in your Departments of Music and Art who understand and share your hope.
Hendrix College offers an example of what this can look like. Located in Conway, Arkansas, Hendrix is a renowned for its strong emphasis on experiential learning and engaged citizenship. In 2023 the college sponsored an event named SUSTAIN: A Collaborative Concert and Sustainability Gallery. showcasing performances from its wind ensemble, jazz band, and art department. These groups came together to present music and art embodying the spirit of a "sustainable mindset," developed by Isabel Rimanoczy. Such a mindset emphasizes an ecological worldview, a systems approach to life, emotional intelligence, and spiritual intelligence. Students were guided by Dr. Gretchen Renshaw, conductor of the wind ensemble; Dr. Barry McVinney, director of the jazz band; and Melissa Gill, professor of art. On this page, please find a video of the wind ensemble's musical performance, including a slideshow featuring the students' prints.
Let this be an example of the kind of creative work college students around the world can do, and are doing, to make a positive difference for our single Earth, if given the opportunity by supportive teachers. Let this be an example of a hope we all share as we seek, each in our way, to join together.
