"I went from being one of the program’s biggest doubters to one of its biggest converts."

At the time, I was working as a sustainability manager at the University of New Brunswick, doing everything I could to fight for solutions through my work. But the enormity of the problem and the relentless stream of bad news left me feeling powerless. When the pandemic arrived, the isolation and uncertainty intensified my eco-anxiety. I was running out of hope.

Things started to change in 2021 when I participated as an artist in the Conservation Council’s From Harm to Harmony climate art project. At first, I wasn’t sure what to make of it. I didn’t understand how the process worked. As a scientist, I approached things analytically, and it seemed to me like the artist workshops leading to the exhibition were a lot of aimless discussion around climate change.

But as time went on, it gave me a way to deal with my overwhelming eco-anxiety. For the first time, I realized I wasn’t alone. 

I saw others sharing their worries, love for the planet and desire to do something meaningful. The art we were creating wasn’t just beautiful—it was a powerful representation of the climate crisis. It was a reminder that we’re not helpless and that we can still connect with others and take action.

I went from being one of the program’s biggest doubters to one of its biggest converts. Because of my experience, I left my university job to lead the Conservation Council’s newly minted From Harm to Harmony program.

Today, I’ve had the privilege of watching others discover the healing power of creativity. Together, we’ve created art that tells stories of resilience, from the devastating effects of wildfires to the urgent need for climate justice. Our exhibitions aren’t just displays — they’re spaces where people connect, reflect and take action.

I’ve witnessed firsthand how this program transforms lives. People come in feeling isolated and leave with a renewed sense of purpose. They create stunning work that turns their fears and frustrations into new conversations that inspire change.

But this work needs support to grow. We want to bring the healing, hope and action this program inspires to more communities. That’s why I’m asking for your help.

Programs like this don’t fund themselves. They’re hard to keep going because arts organizations don’t always focus on the environment, and environmental funders don’t always see the value of art. Every dollar you give can help us turn fear into action, isolation into connection and creativity into real-world impact.