Jane Goodall-inspired exhibit now on display in Carrollton

The Carroll County Arts Center is using art to celebrate conservation, wildlife and the legacy of famed environmentalist Jane Goodall through a special exhibit now on display in downtown Carrollton.

The exhibit, “What Would Jane Do?” features artwork inspired by Goodall’s life, environmental advocacy and groundbreaking chimpanzee research. The show opened May 17 and will remain on display through June 11 at the Carroll County Arts Center, 204 W. Main St.

Cheri Bell, artist and co-president of the Arts Center Board of Trustees, said the idea for the exhibit came shortly after Goodall’s death.

“When Jane Goodall died, I thought this was a no-brainer,” Bell said. “We’re always looking for subjects of interest that artists can respond to and that people can learn and grow from.”

Bell said the exhibit was designed as an art show, and also as a way to encourage conversation about conservation, wildlife and environmental awareness.

“We’re trying to really use art as a social commentary,” Bell said. “It’s decorative for sure, but it’s also making a social statement.”

Artists from throughout the region contributed work for the exhibit, each offering their own interpretation of Goodall’s life and message.

“Each artist did their own rendition of what they wanted to do,” Bell said.

Bell herself created several featured pieces for the show, including a large portrait of Goodall with chimpanzees that took months to complete.

“I worked on it pretty much every day,” Bell said. “There were a lot of different processes doing the background, doing this, doing that.”

Another Bell painting, titled “Walking for Peace,” focuses on Goodall’s commitment to peace and environmental activism.

Other pieces include quilts, paintings, sculptures and mixed-media works. Bell highlighted a quilt created by local artist Charlotte Dunlap specifically for the exhibit, featuring a globe design and detailed stitching inspired by nature and conservation themes.

Wood artist Joe Ott, of Akron, also has artwork featured in the exhibit, including a woodburning portrait of Jane Goodall he created live on the Arts Center porch during the exhibit’s May 17 opening day activities.

One unique exhibit piece was created by a silverback gorilla.

“That was actually done by a gorilla,” Bell said while pointing out the artwork during a tour of the exhibit.

Bell said the exhibit has been well received by visitors and has helped create conversations about wildlife, conservation and environmental stewardship.

The exhibit space was decorated with jungle-themed displays, donated plants and stuffed animals to help immerse visitors in the exhibit’s environmental theme.

“We’ve been having fun with it,” Bell said.

Proceeds connected to the exhibit will support the Wildlife Conservation Center at Sippo Lake Park in Stark County. Bell said artists paid entry fees to participate in the show, and additional proceeds from select artwork sales will also benefit the center.

The Wildlife Conservation Center focuses on wildlife rehabilitation, conservation and educational programs featuring native Ohio wildlife.

As part of the exhibit, nature lover and retired Beech Creek Gardens and Nature Preserve program director Nancy Baker Cazan presented two May 23 programs discussing Jane Goodall’s life and ways families can connect with nature and environmental stewardship.

Bell said the Arts Center will continue offering programs and exhibits throughout the summer. Upcoming events include a June 14 photography show opening and wood carvers demonstrations on the Arts Center porch. The photography exhibit will continue through July.

Bell said the Arts Center hopes exhibits like “What Would Jane Do?” continue encouraging community engagement through both art and meaningful topics.

“Come in and see it,” Bell said.

The exhibit will remain open through June 11, though Bell admitted she would be happy if it never had to come down.

The Carroll County Arts Center is open Thursdays from 1-5 p.m., Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.