Jillian Pelto

Bio:

I am an Artist and a Scientist; I am 23 and graduated from the University of Maine in December 2015 with a double major in Studio Art and Earth Science. I am working with my advisor Dr. Brenda Hall on my Masters of Science, and will be conducting paleoclimate research using glacial geology in the Antarctic.  I have always loved nature and want to use my creative skills to communicate information about extreme environmental issues with a broad audience. I have assisted with research on the mountain glaciers of Washington and British Columbia, in the Dry Valleys of Antarctica, and over the rolling hills and carved cirques of the Falkland Islands. I create artwork about both the research I have been involved with as well as a myriad of other important topics. I believe that art is a uniquely articulate lens: through it I can address environmental concerns to raise awareness and inspire people to take action. My art can show the essential information of an environmental issue, but is also expressive through its beauty and its story. My hope is that this combination of intellectual and emotional content will be meaningful to a lot of people.