Art for Planetary Health

Join us on a journey to explore the interconnectedness of human health and planetary ecosystems through the power of art!

Spearheaded by the Fleet Science Center, the Art for Planetary Health project invites five talented creatives from diverse San Diego neighborhoods to embark on this transformative endeavor. We're asking: What does it mean for our communities to be in harmony with the health of our planet? And how can we collectively promote environmental consciousness? Selected artists will delve into these profound questions, utilizing visual, literary, or performing arts to conceptualize their ideas.

The creatives will collaborate with their communities to further develop and engage with their concepts, resulting in unique works of art reflecting the deep connection between personal experiences and the importance of planetary health. The culmination of this project will be an October celebration and showcase at the Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park. This event will shine a spotlight on the distinct experiences of each community involved, demonstrating their dedication to local health intertwined with global environmental challenges. Together, we'll celebrate, share, and advocate for the collective experience that has been co-developed.

Meet the Creatives

Introducing the selected creatives, a cohort of visionary artists hailing from diverse San Diego neighborhoods. Through their unique artistic expressions, each talented creative will highlight the interconnectedness of human health and planetary ecosystems.

Claudia Biezunski-Rodriguez | Barrio Logan

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In 2013, she opened a sewing studio named Sew Loka. As a Mexican-American female business owner, Claudia is breaking down barriers, blurring societal norms and proudly welcoming BIPOC and underserved communities through affordable, edgy, and upcycled handmade goods. Her goal is to be 100% sustainable by July 2024.

Yvette Roman | San Ysidro

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Yvette Roman is a bi-national artist, curator, muralist and arts educator. She holds a B.A., from UCSD in Visual Arts and Cultural Anthropology. Yvette is passionate about making art accessible through community-organized collaboration.  Her artwork is an exploration of simplicity and chaos. Disciplines include painting, photography, printmaking, and collage. Her artwork weaves memories of loss, self-discovery, and personal insecurities. Her artwork has been exhibited in the United States, Mexico and Egypt.

Kline Swonger | National City

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Kline Swonger presents an innovative community art project that intertwines the natural beauty of rocks with the environmentally conscious art form of cyanotypes, fostering a dialogue on our relationship with the planet. Rocks, symbolic anchors of our landscapes, have historically served as markers of both physical and metaphorical journeys. Cyanotypes, an eco-friendly photographic process, utilize sunlight to capture images on specially treated surfaces. The project proposes a series of interactive workshops inviting participants to create cyanotypes on rocks using plant materials sourced from the landscapes of National City. Participants will ponder and inscribe responses to the question, ”How can I help my community to be in harmony with our planet?” on the backs of these rocks, encapsulating personal commitments to environmental harmony. Rocks crafted during these sessions will be assembled into a labyrinth, symbolizing our collective journey towards environmental consciousness. The labyrinth will culminate in a public exhibition at the Fleet Science Center, where community members will traverse the labyrinth, contemplating their roles in promoting planetary health.

LaRaza Webb | Greater Neighborhood of Southeastern San Diego

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LaRaza Webb’s ”Water Mane Art Experience” is an immersive and interactive art installation aimed at promoting sustainable hair care practices while raising awareness about water conservation and quality. Water, as the lifeblood of our planet, connects all living things. Yet, in our daily hair care routines, we often overlook the impact of water usage and the sustainability of the products we use. By blending elements of art, education, and community engagement, this project seeks to empower individuals to make informed choices that benefit both themselves and the planet. Community members in the Greater Neighborhood of Southeast San Diego will participate in hands on experiences that explore product blending stations and step-by-step hair care routines designed to minimize water usage. The final installation at the Fleet Science Center will will immerse visitors in an aquatic experience that will teach them about sustainable hair care practices and promote meaningful dialogue about planetary health and the importance of protecting our water resources. By leveraging the universal language of art, we aim to redirect attention towards environmental consciousness and inspire collective action towards a healthier planet.

Dawud Hasan | Greater Neighborhood of Southeastern San Diego

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The ”Stardust Project” from Dawud Hasan is a multifaceted initiative aimed at fostering a deeper appreciation for astronomy within the Greater Neighborhoods of Southeastern San Diego. Through the creation of a high-quality graphic novel, a cinema-ready cartoon, and a captivating music soundtrack, the “Stardust Project” will ignite curiosity and inspire learning about the wonders of the universe. ‘Stardust’ embodies the idea that we are all interconnected with each other and the universe itself. Our goal is to convey this message of unity and wonder through engaging and accessible mediums that resonate with our diverse community. Collaborating with leading figures in Southeast San Diego, we are providing a platform for local artists to express their creativity and passion for astronomy. By involving local influencers as voice actors for our cartoon adventure, we aim to infuse authenticity and relatability into our storytelling. One key aspect of our community engagement strategy is through partnerships. With the San Diego College of Continuing Education - Education Cultural Complex (ECC), we will organize a sustainability conference themed around stardust. This conference will feature panel discussions, astronomy-themed booths, and networking opportunities, providing a platform for community members to engage with experts in the field and learn more about our place in the cosmos. These initiatives aim to further amplify our message and reach diverse audiences across the region. Ultimately, the ”Stardust Project” is more than just an artistic endeavor—it‘s a call to action for communities to harmonize with the health of our planet and embrace our interconnectedness with the universe. By leveraging the strengths and talents of our community, we aspire to cultivate a sense of unity, curiosity, and environmental consciousness that transcends generations. Together, we can embark on a journey of discovery and evolution, guided by the guiding light of the stars above..