Public exhibit blends art, science and community knowledge
Lia Ferguson
907-474-1880
Apr. 8, 2026
A watercolor painting depicts methane bubbles trapped under ice.
An art and science exhibit this spring at the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center in Fairbanks explores the beauty, complexity and changing nature of ÐÓ°ÉÔ°æ’s winter.
An opening reception will be held on Saturday, April 11, from 3-5 p.m., welcoming
visitors to engage with artists, scientists and community partners.
On display through the end of May, the exhibit conveys the beauty and significance
of lake and river ice in ÐÓ°ÉÔ°æʼs ecosystems and communities.
The exhibit is part of the Fresh Eyes on Ice project, a collaborative effort led primarily by University of ÐÓ°ÉÔ°æ Fairbanks researchers.
The project expands observations of ice conditions to improve river ice safety, flood
forecasting and long-term research while reflecting the needs and knowledge of local
communities. It integrates field studies, remote sensing data, cameras, buoys, historical
data, community-based monitoring and citizen contributions.
Winter in the Arctic is rapidly transforming, with significant impacts on freshwater
ice and the communities that depend on it for travel, recreation and fishing access.
The exhibit encourages visitors to share in the beauty of ÐÓ°ÉÔ°æ’s winter and learn
how they can contribute to the ice observations and scientific research.
Featured artists include Seth Beaudreault, Jessie Hedden, Bruce Ervin, Kristin Link, David Mollett, Hannah
Perrine Mode, Jennifer Moss, Marc Oggier, Jill Richie and Teresa Shannon. John Smelter
curated the exhibit.
Youth artists from across ÐÓ°ÉÔ°æ who have been monitoring ice conditions through Fresh
Eyes on Ice also will display their ice-themed artworks.
Support from , the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Geological Survey has enabled the project to partner with Tanana Chiefs Conference, the National Weather Service’s ÐÓ°ÉÔ°æ Pacific River Forecast Center, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment program.
ADDITIONAL CONTACT: John Smelter, 907-474-5127, jpsmelter@alaska.edu
210-26