Eco-art Innovations at Peabody Essex Museum: Upcycling to Preserve Biodiversity

During the opening weekend of the Peabody Essex Museum’s “Our Time On Earth” exhibit, Xavier Cortada unveiled the latest version of his impactful “Endangered World” project, initially launched at the extreme poles of our planet. This innovative iteration, titled “Adopt-a-Species: Upcycling Clothing,” offered participants a unique blend of artistic expression and environmental activism. By screen printing images of endangered animals onto previously owned clothes, attendees not only sparked important conversations about conservation but also pledged to undertake specific eco-actions to benefit the species they chose to represent. The initiative saw an overwhelming response, with hundreds of museum-goers each day eager to contribute to the project and learn more about environmental justice.

This call to action extends beyond the exhibit, inviting everyone to participate in two engaging “Adopt-a-Species” activities: Upcycling Clothing and Rock Painting. Visitors are encouraged to bring an item of clothing to screen print with one of thirteen striking drawings of threatened and endangered species, meticulously created by Cortada. Alternatively, participants can paint a rock with the longitude where the species struggles to survive.. Both the printed garments and the painted rocks serve as tangible commitments to the preservation and protection of our planet’s diverse life forms.

By joining these activities, individuals not only engage in meaningful artistic creation but also commit to being part of the vital movement towards environmental sustainability. Each piece created in these workshops stands as a personal pledge to act on behalf of endangered species, reminding us of the interconnectedness of life on Earth and the urgent need for collective action. We invite you to be part of this transformative experience, to learn about the eco-actions you can take now, and to make a dedicated pledge for environmental justice. Together, through creativity and commitment, we can make a lasting difference for our world and its most vulnerable inhabitants.