WHO: Artists, scientists and musicians including:

• Dan Fagre, Research Ecologist, U.S. Geological Survey, West Glacier
• Lisa McKeon, Physical Scientist, U.S. Geological Survey, West Glacier
• Diane Burko, Painter, Philadelphia
• Joy von Wolffersdorff, Professor of Art, Northridge, California
• The Crown of the Continent Choir
• Left Side Brains, Youthful bluegrass

What's It About

A year after Glacier National Park was established in 1910, University of Montana professor Morton Elrod lugged a large camera to a scenic point and snapped a photo of Jackson Glacier. An artist as well as a scientist, Elrod sold park images through his family postcard business.

In 2009 scientist Lisa McKeon photographed the exact same scene from the exact same location. Side-by-side, but separated by 98 years, the two images reveal a striking truth of climate change -- a great glacier nearly gone in less than a century. That stark contrast has inspired a new generation of artists to translate science back into art, bringing attention to the urgent issues of climate change.

Two of those artists will be in Whitefish on April 26 to join scientists and musicians for an evening of visual stories, reflection and knowledge about the real-world impacts of climate change caused by carbon pollution. 

These creative thinkers bring planetary climate change down to the human scale, prompting us to grapple with how our species and others can adapt to a powerful new reality. 

The multimedia extravaganza caps a day of gatherings in 14 Montana communities, including five in the Flathead, seeking Montana climate solutions.

"Climate change is a big hairy challenge," said Laura Behenna, coordinator of the Kalispell event. "We're trying to make sense of the science through the most human of endeavors: art, music, sharing stories, talking with your neighbors. 

By meeting the climate challenge at a personal and community level, we can begin to find the abundant climate solutions available to us as Montanans."

Saturday, April 26th, Clean Up the Falls

Saturday, April 26th, Residents in five Flathead towns will spotlight Montana climate solutions through community discussions, music, and rallies. All events begin at noon.

*    BIGFORK: Climate and Community Gathering, Downtown Bigfork: Join your neighbors to discuss the issues, ask questions, explore solutions, and take action. Noon

*    COLUMBIA FALLS: Honk and Wave in Support of Climate Solutions, Highway 2 and Nucleus. Rally for climate solutions. Bring signs to support climate solutions. Noon.

*    KALISPELL: Jamming for Climate Solutions, Depot Park Rally, featuring the Tropical Montana Marimba Ensemble. Bring signs to support climate solutions. Noon.

*    PABLO: Roundtable Discussion with speakers, Salish Kootenai College, The Late Louie Caye Sr. Memorial Building. Lunch Provided. 12-3 p.m.

*    WHITEFISH: Dance a Jig, Honk and Wave for Climate Solutions, Corner of Spokane and 2nd Street, featuring the youthful bluegrass sounds of the Left Side Brains. Noon.

To learn more about specific events contact: 

Bigfork: Jeffrey Funk, 837-4208 

Columbia Falls: Diane Taylor, 892-1640 

Kalispell: Laura Behenna, 257-2116 

Whitefish: Steve Thompson, 250-9810 

Pablo: Kirwin Werner, 676-8988

Saturday, May 3rd Clean Up - Green Up Downtown
Kalispell. Volunteers will meet at Depot Park on the corner of Main St. and Center Street E.   A free BBQ will be provided to participants from 12:00 - 2:00. Volunteer for 1 hour or 4 hours any time between 10:00 - 2:00 PM. The more hands the merrier! Contacts Pam 253-6923 or Jennifer 758-7717

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