“Alternatives” by Spruce Head artist, Katharine Cartwright, has been selected for inclusion in the Fifth National Climate Assessment published by the The U.S. Global Change Research Program, in collaboration with Smithsonian Institution, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Science Foundation, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Selected from over 800 submissions, Cartwright’s painting won the distinction of “top finalist” out of the selected competitors.

“Alternatives” is an aesthetic interpretation of five viable alternatives to petroleum-based energy: biofuel, wind turbines, geothermal plants, hydroelectric dams, and solar panels. The interconnection of the symbols used for each energy source in the design emphasizes a combined approach to a long-term feasible solution. Environmentally friendly materials used in the creation of this painting include cotton paper and water-based pigments. 

Cartwright’s dual career as a visual artist and earth scientist inspired her to enter this competition. As faculty member and Chair of the Department of Geosciences at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York, Cartwright delivered courses in Climatology, Paleoclimatology and Oceanography. Her unique professional experience in both disciplines informed her work.