THIS & THAT by AwA
Colorado Wolf Reintroduction A CONVERSATION THROUGH CREATIVITY Throughout the ages, art has stimulated conversation, created empathy and showcased diverse points of view. When the vote for Colorado wolf reintroduction split the state of Colorado almost down the middle as far as number of votes for and against, prowolf activists immediately turned to art to create a sympathetic image of wolves. While anti-wolf advocates are putting political pressure on legislators, pro-wolf advocates are taking to the streets using art as a way to influence and educate people about the benefits of wolf reintroduction. Endangered Species Coalition (EDC) dedicated July 2022 to the wolf. Three murals went up in Denver showcasing the different faces of wolves from the fairytale myth of the big bad wolf to the more nurturing side of wolves with their families. EDC also sponsored a visual art exhibit at Odell Brewing Company featuring Steamboat Springs artists Jill Bergman, Sista Luna, Dedi Knox and Debbie McCulliss, along with Denver-based artist Brett Matarazzo. The month culminated in a performance by the band Lost Walks, with rock music, dance and video focused on wolf reintroduction. The organization, Colorado Wolf Reintroduction: a conversation through creativity (CWR), launched in 2021 as a way to showcase both the pro-wolf and anti-wolf points of view. “There is no right or wrong opinion about wolf reintroduction,” said Dagny McKinley, founder of Colorado Wolf Reintroduction. “At the heart of any opinion is human emotion—fear, joy, hope, anger. In a world that is so polarized politically and environmentally, there needs to be a space where we can start to hear each other so we can feel empathy for one another even if we don’t agree with the opposing view. This is the only way wolf reintroduction will be successful and art is the medium to do it.” CWR had an exhibit July 2022 at the Depot Art Center in Steamboat that explored the loss of bloodlines in cattle that are taken by wolves. Rancher Jay Fetcher’s essay spoke of how natural Art with Altitude
wolf migration would likely have been more beneficial for wolves and ranchers rather than forced reintroduction. The exhibit also showcased poetry by Gregory Block, an essay on how wolves positively impacted artist Dona Steele, as well as quotes, paintings and photography. The point was to allow people to contemplate both sides of wolf reintroduction in a non-threatening manner. “In Routt County some people voted for wolf reintroduction and some against. But at the end of the day, we are neighbors and if we are always willing to come together when we are in need, then we can find a way to come together and hear each other around wolf reintroduction.” said Dagny. ELEVATE THE ARTS: Visit ColoradoWolfReintroduction.com to learn more about how all people are affected by wolf reintroduction. Send art, poetry, essay, film, music or anything wolf to dagny@ undiscoveredearth.com for inclusion in the website. AwA
Photo courtesy of muralist Patrick Maxcy, patrick maxcyart.com
Winter 2022
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