Glaciers and Watersheds: Create Data Art Inspired by the North Cascades
Event Details
- When
- Sep 19, 2026 from 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM
- Where
- Instructor
- Jill Pelto
- Class Tuition
- Minimum Age
- Add it to your calendar
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Not many people are familiar with data-driven art, but most of us know how difficult it can be to fully grasp the meaning behind graphs and charts. When communicating complex topics like climate change, art can bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and human connection. By weaving research and art together, we can create compelling visuals that invite curiosity, deepen understanding, and inspire action.
The North Cascades are home to more glaciers than anywhere else in the continental United States, and Jill Pelto knows them intimately. As Art Director of the North Cascade Glacier Climate Project, Jill will guide participants in using art to communicate science, while sharing insights from her glacier monitoring fieldwork.
This course begins at the Douglas Fir Campground Day-Use Area near Glacier, WA, with an option to carpool from Bellingham. After introductions, we’ll travel together to Artist Point—one of Washington’s most iconic viewpoints—observing mountains, glaciers, and watersheds along the way to inspire the stories we want to tell through data art. At Artist Point, Jill will lead a short walk, offering context on the region’s glaciers as participants take in expansive views and subalpine meadows.
After a scenic lunch break, we’ll return to the picnic shelter, where Jill will introduce the process of creating data art. Participants will have time to develop their own pieces using provided graphs on environmental topics and general art supplies. You are also welcome to bring a printed graph on a topic you’re passionate about, along with any preferred art materials.
This course focuses on creative exploration rather than technical instruction—no prior art experience is required. We believe everyone can create meaningful work through this process.
Explore Jill’s collection of artwork highlighting environmental change here!
Scholarships and Student, Military and Disability discounts are available for most in-person programs. Call (360) 854-2599 for more info!