As Earth Day 2021 approached, a peculiar object began to take shape on the campus of UMass Amherst. The timing was apt, as the structure, a 24-foot-diameter art installation called “Earth! One,” is also a message about the imminent dangers of climate change and the hope it can inspire to combat it.
A multidisciplinary effort, “Earth! One” brought together students from the department of theater in the College of Humanities and Fine Arts; the School of Public Policy; College of Social and Behavioral Sciences; the department of environmental conservation; and the School of Earth and Sustainability– students who may not normally collaborate on academic projects.
About a year and a half ago, Charlie Schweik, professor of public policy and environmental conservation, and Michael Cottom, senior lecturer of technical theater, met at one of the UMass Amherst All-Campus Makerspace…
