Celebrating and protecting the Earth is the mission of this year’s Earth Week exhibition, which will open April 22 at the Union Gallery, located on the second floor of Union East.

In celebration of sustainability, the Union Gallery is focusing on presenting temporary Earth Week exhibits that spread knowledge and awareness through the appreciation of artwork created by UTEP and high school students and other local artists.

Brianna Martinez, Union Gallery assistant coordinator, said the exhibit will feature a variety of art work pieces that are made from recycable materials created by students from Loretto and Americas High school.

“The exhibit is based on recycling and sustainability aimed at encouraging students, faculty and staff to take an active role in preserving the world around us,” Martinez said.

Twenty students were asked to participate and create works of art made from environmentally friendly materials in an effort to build awareness, inspire creativity and foster stewardship of the world. These works will be  displayed throughout the Union Gallery.

“The purpose of the Earth Week expo is to get students and the community to recycle now that they have the opportunity,” Martinez said. “With this expo, the audience is able to see trash as treasure through what artists’ exhibits have brought to light.”

The opening reception will take place at 6 p.m. on Earth Day, April 22 and will consist of an award ceremony, where the top 10 dresses and outfits will be chosen and be displayed at the Earth Week exhibit. The dresses and outfits were made from recycled and eco-friendly materials and shown during the Earth Week fashion show on April 21.

Jessica Morales, junior social work major, said the university should embrace Earth awareness all year round rather than just during Earth Week.

“I have been to previous expos featured in the Union Gallery, but never been to the Earth Week one,” Morales said. “I am always looking for ways to be more eco-friendly and will defiantly make the effort to go to this year to see what inspirational ideas student came up with.”

Mathew Looney, sophomore electrical engineering major, said it’s great to have an exhibit that promotes the environment.

“I have never been able to attend any previous Earth Week exhibit, but am excited to see what this year has in store,” Looney said.

Alexandra Garcia, Office of Student Life event coordinator, said the exhibit was originally scheduled to launch on April 20 to kick off the first day of Earth Week, but due to technical issues, the expo was pushed back to have its opening reception on April 22.

The Earth Week exhibition will be on display through May 8. Doors will be open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.

“Though we weren’t able to have the exhibit ready as originally planned, we are happy to open its doors for students and the community to enjoy on Earth Day,” Garcia said. “This way we are able to include some of the dresses and outfits showcased the day before during the fashion show in the exhibit.”

Valerie Herrera may be reached at [email protected].