Portsmouth, New Hampshire — On display at the Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery is a collection of artworks by 12 artists who call themselves Earth Tones, a group dedicated to using art as a tool for environmental advocacy. Led by New Hampshire Art Association (NHAA) Member Pete Weissbrod, the group’s inaugural exhibition titled “Reclaimed, Renewed, Redeemed” will be on view in September, one year from the group's first meeting. Using marine debris collected from Blue Ocean Society beach cleanups in New Hampshire and Southern Maine, the artists used ropes, plastic of all colors, and wave-battered lobster traps abandoned and beyond repair (the artists took a crash course in marine law before using this art material).

When asked what sparked the creation of Earth Tones, Pete Weissbrod reflected, “For me, sitting back and pining about how things could be for the environment is not enough. It doesn’t matter if you are not a scientist or a policymaker, each one of us possesses the power of creativity to inspire and provoke the change that you want to see.” Earth Tones became an outlet for community members who care deeply about the environment to get together, envision what is possible, and take action in the form of cleaning up local beaches and creating impactful works of art that led viewers to think critically about environmentalism.

The group is composed of people from a variety of backgrounds, and for some of them, this is their first time showing artwork. You will see anglerfish scales rendered from soda cans, baskets and textured weavings created from ropes, fishing nets, and produce bags, stained glass flowers made with found beach glass, and more. Earth Tones is supported in part by UNH’s Picataqua Region Estuary Project.

Go & Do

Earth Tones “Reclaimed, Renewed, Redeemed” will run at NHAA’s headquarters, the Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery, located at 136 State Street in Portsmouth from September 2nd to 27th. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 11 am to 5 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 6 pm, and Sunday from 12 pm to 5 pm. The opening reception will be held on September 4th from 5 pm to 8 pm as part of Portsmouth’s Art ‘Round Town Art Walk. Visit nhartassociation.org or call 603-431-4230 for more information.