Exhibition of works by Berkeley High School students is at crossroads of environmentalism and art

Sculptor Moriah Godes explores the impact of man-made materials on ocean life. Painter Alex Spevak illustrates industry’s impact on Arctic animals. Another painter, Héctor Muñoz-Guzmán, looks at the effects of pollution on urban life.

The three young artists are part of “Art/Act: Youth,” a multidisciplinary exhibition of works by students of Berkeley High School that examines the intersection of environmentalism and art, according to a news release from the David Brower Center, at 2150 Allston Way.

The show, curated by artist and Berkeley High arts teacher Kimberley D’Adamo Green, is free and runs through Sept. 15. Exhibition hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Associated events include a free Youth Workshop from 1 to 4 p.m. Sept.10; the David Liittschwager Lecture from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sept.12, also free; and a free closing reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 15.

“Today’s youth, for better or worse, are inheriting a world created by their elders,” the program notes read in part. “What they choose to do for Earth and its future sustainability, however, is up to them.

“The body of work for ‘Art/Act: Youth’ lends insight into what young, dynamic minds perceive about the current and future state of our planet. While not all positive, the inspiration, thought, and process behind these works should give hope to us all.”

The participating artists are Aiko Yoshitani, Alex Lafetre Thompson, Alexander Spevack, Amelia Smyth, Anna Insun Reed, Carmin Jin, Chesline Miller, Chiara Biasi Batchelder, Chloe Wanaselja, Cindy Tran,  Desiree Minkler, Ella Newton, Elle McDougald, Elijah Liedeker, Emily Levenson, Madison Zarate, Gabi Cirne Lima, Hector Muñoz-Guzmán, Jaya Nagarajan, Julia Pew, Kelajah Allen, Kimiro Kikon-Sautman, Mai Li Spencer, Maria Fong, Marcus Leitner, Marikit Mayeno, Marli Anglim, Maya Monroe, Mayorie Ovalle Rojas, Moriah Godes, Moses Mascuch, Nakiya Stewart, Nat Kolligs, Nattie Copeland, Orr Goldberg, Rayna Carter, Robert Lopez, Ronia Jackson, Rosa Meigs,Ruth Calderon Polo, Sabrina Pimentel Sadjah Nasir, Sergio Ramirez Denelaton, Shira Anisman, Sophie Maras-Gillet, Talia L. Mermin and  Zahara Sifaf.

“Art/Act: Youth” received support from Dharma Merchant Services, East Bay Municipal Utility District, National Endowment for the Arts, Neda Nobari Foundation, and The Nancy P. and Richard K. Robbins Family Foundation.