“New Normal” explores the impacts of climate change on the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE). This exhibition features a diverse range of printmaking techniques, including woodblock, linoleum, screen printing, and experimental methods.

 

Rooted in observations and climate data from the GYE and surrounding regions, this body of work grapples with the realities of a changing climate while celebrating the beauty and significance of this vital ecosystem. Themes addressed in the exhibit include the effects of wildfire and smoke in our atmosphere, water and nutrient pollution, and shifts in temperature and precipitation patterns as snow increasingly transitions to rain.

 

Through a mix of observational pieces inspired by traditional landscapes and abstract works, the exhibition creatively communicates the science and visible impacts of climate change—whether immediately apparent or subtly unfolding. By tying these themes to contemporary challenges, such as the community’s reliance on environmental tourism, energy industries, and ongoing Colorado River negotiations to address water shortages, the exhibit highlights the risks posed by a changing climate to interconnected systems in the region.

 

The show invites viewers to engage through visual beauty, encouraging both learning and reflection. Many pieces are accompanied by resources and research, offering deeper insights into the climate themes driving the work. Ava views this collection as a personal act of climate advocacy. By sharing her prints alongside the data and themes that inspired them, she hopes to foster greater awareness and expand the reach of climate advocacy within the community.