Mercyhurst celebrates Earth Week with inspiring events from Sister Maura Smith Lecture to National Water Dance
Earth Week arrives in grand style at Mercyhurst University with a full slate of events, among them the Sister Maura Smith Earth Day Lecture, a sustainability mini-conference titled “Our Erie Environment: Spaces for Everyone,” and the ever-popular National Water Dance Erie. Events run from April 15 through Earth Day, April 22. All are free and open to the public.
National Water Dance Erie
The Erie Maritime Museum and Mercyhurst University's School of the Arts and Schools of Natural Sciences and Humanities are looking to make a splash with the sixth iteration of National Water Dance Erie: Remembering Water’s Way slated for Saturday, April 20. The traveling performance begins at 4 p.m. on Dobbins Landing and continues along the waterfront where it will enter the Erie Maritime Museum and end in Blasco Library’s H.O. Hirt Auditorium.
Mercyhurst Project Coordinator Solveig Santillano, associate professor of Dance, said the engaging showcase is a collaborative community performance that takes place simultaneously across the nation at local waterways. It is designed to raise awareness about local and global water concerns, elevate water stewardship, celebrate Erie’s beautiful waterways, and build community through the intersection of arts, sciences, shared conversations, and collaborations.
Santillano says spectators will witness original Mercyhurst student choreography, as well as the artistry of local dance companies and freelance artists. They will feel the space come alive with music and dances that explore the effects of pollution, climate change, shifts in weather, and precipitation levels on communities.
In addition to music, dance, art, and informational exhibits, audiences can view water-related infographs created by Mercyhurst graphic design students, participate in Blasco Library’s story time, or wander around the museum’s performance exhibits, all of which culminate in Hirt auditorium with a program from 5-6 p.m.
“We believe this project stems from both departmental and university mission statements, moving beyond the gates to celebrate, illuminate, and care for our interconnectedness and interdependence,” Santillano said.
For more information, email Santillano at ssantillano@mercyhurst.edu.
‘Our Erie Environment: Spaces for Everyone’
Also on Saturday, April 20, the university’s Department of Community Engagement will host a sustainability mini-conference, “Our Erie Environment: Spaces for Everyone,” at Mercy Heritage Room from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will focus on the social, economic, and environmental pillars of sustainability in Erie. The conference features keynote speaker Dr. Eric Pallant of Allegheny College, breakout sessions with faculty and Erie community members, lunch, and a Green Tour of campus. Community Engagement will also provide transportation to attendees wishing to join the National Water Dance activities on the Bayfront at 4 p.m. To register, click here. For more information, email Bethany Woods at bwoods@mercyhurst.edu.
Sister Maura Smith Earth Day Lecture
On Wednesday, April 17, at 7 p.m., the annual Sister Maura Smith Earth Day Lecture Series welcomes groundbreaking climate scientist Rachael Shenyo to Walker Recital Hall. She will discuss the climate vulnerabilities facing our world’s rural and developing regions. Hear her experiences in the highlands of Guatemala and learn how she seeks to combat climate change with innovative techniques. Contact Sustainability Coordinator Molly Tarvin at mtarvin@mercyhurst.edu with any questions.
Complete Earth Week Schedule
Join the Office of Sustainability, the Sustainability Club, and the Citizen’s Climate Lobby Club in celebrating Earth Week.
Monday, April 15, 6 p.m. Join the Sustainability Club and the Artist Flock as we use recycled clay and glazes in the Zurn 120 Ceramics Lab to make bowls, plant pots, and wall decorations. Bring leaves or flowers to make imprints or use the ceramics tools to create your masterpiece.
Tuesday, April 16, 7 p.m. The newly founded Citizen’s Climate Lobby Club will host protest sign-making for use in future rallies! Join in Hirt 214 in using recycled cardboard and art supplies to display your message for climate action.
Wednesday, April 17, 7 p.m. The Sister Maura Smith Earth Day Lecture Series hosts climate scientist Rachael Shenyo to discuss the climate vulnerabilities facing our world’s rural and developing regions.
Thursday, April 18, 6 p.m. Join Sustainability student worker Morgan for Speed Plarn! Plarn, plastic yarn, is made from recycled plastic bags to form a long, waterproof, and durable strand that can be crocheted just like regular yarn, with an environmental twist! All plarn created will contribute to our waterproof sleeping mat, which is being crocheted for donation to one of Erie’s unhoused. Prizes will be awarded to the fastest plarn creator.
Friday, April 19, 5 p.m. Watch the empowering documentary "This Changes Everything" with the Office of Sustainability in Zurn 114. Based on the book by Noami Klien, this film showcases the fight for climate justice worldwide and will leave viewers ready to take a stand.
Saturday, April 20, 9 a.m. Community Engagement hosts the “Our Erie Environment: Spaces for Everyone” mini-conference.
Saturday, April 20, 4 p.m. The National Water Dance will take place in the Erie Maritime Museum. Join us to celebrate water through dance, music, and artistic expression.
Monday, April 22, 4 p.m. Earth Day. The Office of Sustainability will host an Earth Day Fair in the Rec Center’s green gym, featuring activities, crafts, kickball, and more. Sustainable prizes will be awarded to the winners of trivia and the scavenger hunt, and an upcycled trophy will be presented to the winning team of kickball. Have some fun while celebrating the Earth.