ATLANTA, GA – October 10, 2024 – Science Gallery Atlanta at Emory University is proud to announce the opening of its latest exhibition, Resilient Earth, on September 14, 2024. This immersive experience is designed to challenge visitors to rethink their relationship with the environment and explore the vital role they play in shaping a sustainable future.

Resilient Earth goes beyond merely presenting the concept of sustainability; it invites each visitor to embark on a deeply personal journey of self-discovery and empowerment. The exhibition positions you at the center of the conversation, encouraging you to reflect on your contributions to the planet's health and to uncover new ways to build a more resilient future.

Among the innovative exhibits featured in Resilient Earth is The Paper Ecosystem, led by Jeremy Speed Schwartz, artist and animator and Assistant Professor of Digital Animation at Kennesaw State University. This interactive installation simulates a delicate ecosystem made entirely of paper, where human interaction directly influences its health. As visitors engage with the virtual environment, they will witness the immediate consequences of their actions. This exhibit poses a critical question: how different is this paper ecosystem from our own Earth’s ecosystem?

Another powerful installation, ECOLECTIVOS: A World Wrapped in Plastic, sheds light on the global plastic waste crisis. Developed in collaboration with research teams from the Center for Health Studies (CES) at the Universidad del Valle de Guatemala (UVG) and Emory University’s Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing and College of Arts and Sciences, this exhibit explores community-based solutions to poor plastic waste management. Visitors will encounter a striking structure made from over 8,000 recycled plastic bottles donated by local organizations in Atlanta. Through this installation, the exhibit highlights the public health crisis caused by plastic and its direct link to climate change.

Through interactive experiences, thought-provoking discussions, and engaging artworks created by transdisciplinary teams from Emory University and collaborators worldwide, Resilient Earth encourages visitors to explore the meaning of sustainability on a personal level. “The goal of Resilient Earth is to foster meaningful conversations, provide a safe space for self-reflection, and ultimately recognize that everyone can help define a more sustainable future for our planet,” said Alexis R. Faust, Executive Director of Science Gallery Atlanta, “and that includes acknowledging the many sustainable actions people are currently taking.”

The exhibition is set to run at Science Gallery Atlanta's new location at Northlake Mall, 4800 Briarcliff Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30345 from September 14, 2024, to April 30, 2025. For more information on Resilient Earth and other upcoming events, please visit atlanta.sciencegallery.com.

About Science Gallery Atlanta

Science Gallery Atlanta at Emory University is a unique space where science and art collide, offering transformative experiences that challenge perceptions, inspire action, and promote a deeper understanding of the world around us. Through innovative exhibitions and programs, Science Gallery Atlanta seeks to engage diverse audiences in conversations at the intersection of art, science, and technology.

About Emory University

Emory University, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is one of the world's leading research universities. Founded in 1836, Emory is known for its rigorous academic programs, groundbreaking research, and commitment to creating positive change in the world. With a diverse and dynamic community of scholars, Emory offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees across its nine schools and colleges. The university's mission is to create, preserve, teach, and apply knowledge in the service of humanity, and its faculty and students are dedicated to making a meaningful impact on global issues.