Fifty years of growing environmental recognition spurred celebration and a look into nature at the Berry Center Nov. 7 in consideration of the 50-year mark of the Wilderness Act.
In honor to celebrate the Wilderness Act, a reception was held inviting the public, students, faculty and community members.
In addition to the reception, the Berry Center will also be hosting the Wilderness Art Exhibit, which focuses on Wyoming’s Wilderness. Featuring art from many different artists these 25 pieces were selected out of 71 entries.
“This art exhibit is a way to honor and celebrate 50 years of protecting our country’s wild and scenic places. The 25 pieces that are part of the show really portray the different values we place in wilderness, whether it be recreational, aesthetic, spiritual, inspiration or otherwise,” said Brenna Marsicek, project coordinator with the University of Wyoming Biodiversity Institute. “The UW Biodiversity Institute, a co-sponsor of the event, really values exploration of biodiversity and landscapes through artistic means, and this exhibit is a great way to do that.”
The different pieces of art assembled were wilderness areas in Wyoming and had the attention of many of those who attended the event.
“It was pretty incredible to see just how beautiful of a state that Wyoming is and to get a grasp on how lucky we are to live in it,” said junior Brandon Elliot, an environment and natural resources major. “It’s clear to see how nature is one of the best places to look at and be inspired by our everyday surroundings.”
The Wilderness Act was put in place in 1964. It was created as a way for Congress and Americans to designate “wilderness areas,” which represent the nation’s highest form of land protection.
No roads, vehicles or permanent structures are allowed in wilderness areas. Wilderness areas also prohibit activities such as mining or logging. Currently there are about 110 million acres that are apart designated around the United States as wilderness areas according to wilderness.org.
This art exhibit has been touring many towns in Wyoming before reaching Laramie.
Marsicek said the art show was organized by the Wyoming Wilderness Association and The Wilderness Society, and has been on tour this year, starting in Sheridan, then going to Jackson before coming to Laramie.
The exhibit will be on display in the Berry Center until December 1.
