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Millbrook School to launch environmental arts project on Feb. 21

Millbrook School to launch environmental arts project on Feb. 21

Invited to be a featured speaker at The Millbrook School’s launch of The Firefly Environmental Arts Project on Friday, Feb. 21, Eileen Fielding, Director of the Sharon Audubon Center, paused for a photo with Bob, the American Kestrel, a long-term resident at the Center due to respiratory troubles.

Photo by Leila Hawken

MILLBROOK — Inspired by hope and resiliency found in nature, the Millbrook School is launching The Firefly Environmental Arts Project, assembling area artists, naturalists and environmentalists, seeking to build community through shared experiences in nature and the arts. The project will kick off at the Millbrook School on Friday, Feb. 21, at 7 p.m.

In the event of snow, the date will move to Sunday, Feb. 23, at 1 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

Guest speaker will be Eileen Fielding, Audubon Center of Sharon Director since 2018, preeminent expert, active in the protection of wildlife within the regional landscape. The title of her talk will be “Bending the Bird Curve.”

“There are so many environmental and sustainability issues that it’s a challenge to decide where to focus,” Fielding commented on Saturday, Feb. 1. “For this talk, I’ll discuss climate change, and how we can address it in part through natural climate solutions as they can be applied in the Northeast,” she added.

Pleased to have been asked to participate in the Millbrook School’s environmental work and the current project, Fielding said, “There’s a rising cohort of young people who are capable, creative, concerned over the state of the planet, and motivated to do something about it. Audubon is one of the organizations offering pathways for young leaders to take action. I welcome this opportunity to invite their participation and encourage them. They have a lot to give.”

Tim Good of the Good Gallery in Kent was responsible for curating the art and artists. Students from eight area independent schools are expected to participate in the Firefly Project, along with 15 prominent visual artists from the region, all combining talents and energy to environmental issues.

“This event will allow young artists to display their work alongside established artists. That invitation is an important vote of confidence, a recognition that their work and their perspectives are valuable,” Fielding said.

“In the same way, the event recognizes a connection between art and advocacy for the environment. In my talk, I hope to highlight how these two endeavors can inspire and strengthen each other,” Fielding said.

Fielding earned a Master of Science and Ph.D. in Ecology from the University of Connecticut and a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resources from the University of Massachusetts.

Before becoming the Sharon Audubon Center’s director, she volunteered to help with the bird rehabilitation department and contributed actively to the Center’s advisory board.

Leila Hawken
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