Youth interns initiate an art gallery to foster climate civic engagement
On Saturday, Aug. 2, Accelerate Climate Solutions will host its first local art gallery, “The World We Inherit: A Climate Gallery,” an open house-style event highlighting climate action through multimedia storytelling.
It will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 25 E Benton Ave. in Naperville.
Curated by youth interns at Accelerate Climate Solutions, the event will feature a diverse range of artwork including paintings, poems, short films, live performances, and written pieces that explore environmental themes across generations.
This immersive, youth-led experience is designed to spotlight the power of intergenerational dialogue and civic engagement through creative expression.
The gallery will include exhibits that span the globe, incorporating works from students and teachers in the Solomon Islands, a country on the front lines of climate change. An exchange of stories, information, and ideas from a variety of cultural backgrounds make this a truly international showcase.
The gallery is a product of the organization's youth internship program, which brings together students interested in fields such as engineering, journalism, government, nature, and more.
Throughout the summer, interns worked closely with mentors to combine their personal interests and stories with environmental advocacy, transforming passion into impactful public engagement.
“It’s such a unique way to see so many different perspectives and I can’t wait to see what everyone comes up with!,” said Sabrina, an intern.
Visitors can expect a full multimedia experience, with hourly raffles, interactive displays, and live demonstrations. Admission is free and open to the public.
“The World We Inherit” invites the community to witness the creativity and civic commitment of a new generation of climate leaders — and to join them in imagining a more sustainable future. For information, visit accelerateclimatesolutions.org.