An art and science exhibit at the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center in Fairbanks will explore Alaska’s winter, focusing on the beauty, complexity, and changing nature of lake and river ice. The University of Alaska Fairbanks announced on April 8 that an opening reception is scheduled for Saturday, April 11, from 3 to 5 p.m., inviting visitors to meet with artists, scientists, and community partners.
The exhibit will remain open through the end of May. It aims to highlight the importance of freshwater ice in Alaska’s ecosystems as well as its role in local communities. The event is part of the Fresh Eyes on Ice project led by researchers from the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Fresh Eyes on Ice combines scientific research with community knowledge to expand observations of ice conditions across Alaska. The project uses field studies, remote sensing data, cameras, buoys, historical records, community-based monitoring efforts, and citizen contributions to improve river ice safety and flood forecasting while supporting long-term research needs. Organizers say that rapid changes in Arctic winters are affecting freshwater ice formation and stability—changes that have direct impacts on travel routes, recreation opportunities, and fishing access for many Alaskans.
The exhibit features works by artists such as 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 show. Youth artists who have participated in monitoring ice conditions through Fresh Eyes on Ice will also display their artwork related to winter themes.
Support for this project comes from NASA’s Citizen Science for Earth Systems Program as well as grants from the National Science Foundation and U.S. Geological Survey. Partnerships include Tanana Chiefs Conference; National Weather Service’s Alaska Pacific River Forecast Center; U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service; and Global Learning & Observations to Benefit the Environment program.
The organizers encourage visitors not only to enjoy artistic representations but also learn how they can participate in ongoing scientific research about Alaskan winters.
