(Mid-Ohio Valley Climate Corner - Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

The war on climate science has returned with a vengeance. The Energy Department recently banned several words including “climate change” and “emissions.” Bipartisan-approved renewable energy projects are being canceled. Environmental agencies are being dismantled. Climate science based policies are under attack.

These hostile attacks are using a report of the recently disbanded sham “Climate Working Group,” which was stacked with climate contrarians. The fact is that the fundamental principle of global warming is considered “settled science.” This means it is unlikely to be disproved as it is supported by abundant evidence and credible peer review.

But the current political agenda is putting corporate fossil fool cronies above the common good of the people and the planet. With the blessing of the government, this polluting industry continues to spread disinformation as well as expand their operations. In the midst of these dark times for the environment, Mid Ohio Valley Climate Action (MOVCA) is bringing an impactful, positive event to Wood County.

The event is a display of ten 36″x 30″ portraits which focus on diverse Americans who have struggled for environmental justice. Each portrait has an essential quote made by the subject etched into the painting. The paintings were done by Robert Shetterly of Maine. Shetterly refers to his paintings as “Americans Who Tell The Truth” (AWTT). The individuals are easily recognizable as he is a masterful artist. He also includes interesting biographical information about the individuals portrayed.

Until January 2002, Shetterly had never painted a realistic portrait when he painted the first of the Americans Who Tell The Truth portraits. Now numbering over 280, the portraits travel around the country as models of courageous citizenship. In addition to the loan of his portraits to schools, organizations and other interested groups, Shetterly has published several books which include photos of his portraits, the biographical info and additional essays by well known individuals.

The various volumes focus on Americans, both historic and living, who have struggled for racial, social, economic and other aspects of life in America. To help fund this exhibit, MOVCA received Direct Support Funds, a project of the Mountain Watershed Association. These funds are made possible by Cloud Mountain Foundation, The Plastic Solution Fund, The Heinz Endowments and The 11th Hour Project.

MOVCA’s truth tellers exhibit focuses on Shetterly’s book, Portraits Of Earth Justice and Americans who “…risk everything to live their truth in pursuit of environmental justice for all.” Besides 50 inspiring portraits and biographical information, the book includes essays by Bill McKibben, Robin Wall Kimmerer, Leah Penniman, Bill Bigelow and Diane Wilson.

The 10 portraits chosen for display by MOVCA include a diverse mix of persons; both young and old, female and male. Some are West Virginians.

Information about the exhibit can be viewed online under “Upcoming Events” on AWTT’s website: americanswhotellthetruth.org. The paintings will be hung for exhibition at Wood County’s South Parkersburg Library at 1807 Blizzard Drive. Starting after the library’s regular hours, an opening reception will be held on Oct. 17 from 5-8 p.m. The reception is open to the general public and will include refreshments and a Zoom with the artist from 6-7 p.m.

After the opening, the portraits will be on display for four weeks through Nov. 17. They can be viewed anytime during the South Parkersburg Library’s operating hours which are; Monday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This would be an interesting field trip appropriate for several grade levels of science or art classes.

AWTT’s website also offers free lesson plans, curriculum and other educational programs to ensure “… that future generations of Americans understand the value and tools of engaged citizenship.”

During the four week time frame, MOVCA is planning a few additional public events that will supplement the exhibit. MOVCA greatly appreciates South Parkersburg Library staff for accommodating the request to use their space for the exhibit, and also for pulling together additional materials that will help enrich it.

These are rough times for the environment and our planet but, now more than ever, these are the most important times to continue to speak truth to power in order to help “Save the Grandchildren.”

***

Giulia Mannarino of Belleville, is a grandmother concerned about her two granddaughters’ futures and a member of Mid-Ohio Valley Climate Action.