Denison University
IN-3: Innovation 3

Green Revolution was a Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition used jointly by Denison University and The Works in Newark to create and promote local environmental awareness and accountability through multidisciplinary hands-on experiences and community partnerships. In spring 2014, the Denison Museum and The Works invited members of the broader community to visit their galleries for exhibitions focused on sustainable living. At the Denison Museum, Museum staff and student employees unveiled a series of “eco-zibits” conceived, designed, assembled, and interpreted by a diverse team of students, faculty and staff. Participants came from a variety of Denison programs including Studio Art, Education, and Environmental Studies, as well as Denison Sustainability, Denison Chemical Society, Denison Science and Art Interest Group, Denison Libraries, and The Homestead. The Works presented “From Ditch to Dazzling”, a recycling-themed art exhibition curated by local artist and art educator Todd Camp, that featured imaginative artworks created by area artists, individuals, and collaborative partners who received support from Licking County schools and businesses. This version of Green Revolution is based on an exhibition originally created by the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago and its Black Creativity Council and is made available by Smithsonian Institution Traveling Service. During the Fall 2013 Semester, an education course was taught that focused on developing the interpretive signage for the Green Revolution exhibition. Students as well as the two instructors worked with the groups creating the exhibitions to create a complete interpretive guide for the Green Rev exhibition. The work was used as the exhibition was developed and opened in February 2014. Using an art exhibition, made by members of the campus community (students, faculty, and staff), to promote a broad environmental message was new to Denison and proved to be a successful way to reach an audience that would not normally engage in this topic.

Over 750 campus community members visited the Green Rev exhibition at Denison and multiple courses used it as a component of their studies for Spring Semester 2014.