April 22, 2007

Happy Earth Day


OK, it's shocking enough that global warming is on the tip of everyone's tongue, that Republicans and Democrats alike are lining up behind clean energy and toxics cleanup bills that would never have seen the light of day in Springfield, but this takes the cake - a warm, sunny Earth Day.

Here in Illinois, Earth Day is generally all the forecast you need to hear to dress for cold, sleet, gray, and perhaps a few flurries for scenic effect. So I can't help but wonder if today's weather might be the latest star aligning for the forces of good.

Whatever you do today, make it fun and positive. We have the rest of the year to worry about the messes we've made. Today should be about the positive - celebrating what each of us can do to make a difference, or even celebrating the simple, yet essential gifts the Earth gives us.

If you're in Chicago, you're invited to join us at the art event below.

Whatever you do, enjoy!



inspiring change:
An art exhibition raising awareness for global warming and benefitting the Sierra Club.

Celebrate Earth Day on April 20 or 22 by attending an art exhibition with the goal of using art as a vehicle to inspire global change. Twenty-one Chicago artists have each prepared a work for this event, and each will be available for purchase, with the proceeds to benefit the Sierra Club.

There is no charge for admission to view the works, or to meet the artists and other local Sierra Club members. Wine, soft drinks, and nibbles provided.

When:
Two opening receptions only:
Friday, April 20: 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Sunday, April 22: 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
(No walk-ins or appointments at other times)

Where:
Space 900
1040 W. Huron Avenue
Chicago, IL 60622
www.space900.com

Participating artists include:
Andrea Harris
Anne Hughes
Anni Holm
Barbara Schnell
Brooke Demos
Cheryl Holz
Clark Ellithorpe
David Mayhew
Doug McGoldrick
Gosia Koscielak
Hilary Norcliffe
Jean Poklop
Jeane McGrail
Joanna Pinsky
Holly Cahill
Laura Fatemi
Laura Lein-Svencner
Nancy Paul
Tania Blanco
Tom Berenz
Yelena Klairmont

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Happy Earth Day! I'm going on a walk, snd leaving the car at home.

Anonymous said...

Jack, how about acknowledging the fact that there are now three legally established, statewide political parties in Illinois? As a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, you would think that the Illinois Sierra Club would be more careful about its leaders making statements that benefit the Democratic and Republican parties, at the expense of the Green Party.

Jack Darin said...

Anon -

When I said "Republicans and Democrats alike" I was attempting to refer to the parties represented in the General Asssembly, not all parties in Illinois. If a Green is elected to the legislature, as I'm sure will happen, I would assume they would be a part of the movement for change. (I do owe Sen. Meeks, an Independent, an apology for the oversight.)

Also, Sierra Club is not a 501(c)3 organization. Because we lobby for better environmental laws, and endorse candidates, we are a 501(c) 4, and donations to us are not tax-deductible.

Jack

Anonymous said...

Oh anonymous, why be a killjoy to the Sierra Club on Earth Day of all days. Happy Belated Earth Day, Sierra Club. Congrats to Sarah and all on the Art Show. It was a great time and that apricot cheese was delish.

Mary