Curated by Shanon Amidon March 2, 2018 - April 22, 2018 Art Ark Gallery 1035 S. 6th StreetSan Jose, CA 95112

Arouse – Evoke or awaken (a feeling, emotion, or response) to stir to action or strong response

Biophilia – The biophilia hypothesis suggests that humans possess an innate tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life.

The Art Inspector - Danielle Siembieda Saturday March 31, 2018 1:00pm-2:30pm What is the carbon impact of your art? Art Inspector: Saving the Earth by Changing Art is a social practice project aimed at creating an eco-art economy. The Art Inspector will present challenges from artist, retailers, manufacturing, and curation. She will also share information on where to source low-impact art materials, studio modifications, and safety, etc. There will be an hour lecture with time for Q&A

Earth Day Art Celebration Sunday April 22, 2018 12pm - 4pm Join us for a FREE Earth Day art event to celebrate our amazing planet and the closing of the Arousing Biophilia art exhibition. All ages are welcome to come and learn and participate in hands on earth friendly art activities. Each activity is led by an artist whose art relates to nature and the environment. Check out the events page for more info.

Supported in part by The Awesome Foundation San Jose

As our culture becomes increasingly urbanized, humans have become increasingly disconnected from the forces and elements of nature, a condition that not only impacts our planet but also the health of its inhabitants.  Yet E.O. Wilson’s biophilia hypothesis suggests that humans possess an innate tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life.

In this time of social, environmental and political upheaval, this exhibit will offer viewers a moment of contemplation and introspection. Art has a unique ability to help people envision new and innovative ways to observe nature. It stimulates and raises our environmental awareness by inviting us to consider our surroundings not so much as a backdrop but rather as a vital part of our existence. Arousing Biophilia is an exhibit that seeks to evoke deeper exploration of our natural world, acts of altruism and environmental stewardship by bringing the wonder of nature and the environment back into focus.  

The artists in the exhibit are fascinated with exploring, investigating, and conserving nature. Their artwork explores a variety of topics including life cycles, entomology, ecosystems, botany, organisms, mycology, biodiversity, and the relationship between humans and the environment.

The exhibit features installation, sculpture, glassworks, encaustic, photography, printmaking, and a variety of other mediums.

Arousing Biophilia resources, information and inspiration provided by the participating artists

Participating Artists:

Melinda Hurst Fry