C.A.R.E responds to president’s call to collaborate on Sept. 11

Artist Susan Cohen Thompson, whose work captures the beauty of trees and birds, initiated the idea of the new Camano Island community art event, Honor Earth. Camano artist Susan Cohen Thompson has long honored Earth.

Deepening human relationships with nature has been a central theme in her art for more than two decades.

When she heard about President Barack Obama’s call to Americans to join together on Sept. 11 in a collaborative and focused effort to address the nation’s most challenging problems, she was inspired.

Thompson instigated a new event, Camano Honor Earth, a collaboration among artists, Karla Matzke and Camano Action for a Rural Environment (C.A.R.E.).

The event at Matzke Fine Art Gallery and Sculpture Park, 2345 Blanche Way, Camano Island, runs from noon to 7 p.m., and includes interactive educational activities, inspirational speakers and an environmental art exhibition.

A coastal geologist Hugh Shipman will speak on climate change and its impact on shorelines. Island County Commissioner John Dean will discuss community service as a way of honoring Earth.

The event will showcase the premiere of a video, “Camano Honors Earth,” with local residents describing how they honor Earth.

For the art show, gallery owner Karla Matzke sought work that connects people, the earth and actions, and that will help save Camano Island for future generations.

“Amid the tall trees and beautiful setting of Karla’s sculpture park and gallery, we will celebrate what makes Camano special and learn important ways to preserve our island resources,” said Joan Schrammeck, secretary of C.A.R.E.

“Nurturing ourselves and nurturing the Earth is totally interconnected,” Thompson said.

“On this day of national service, what better way to ensure the security of our nation than to protect our water, promote good stewardship, encourage responsible land use, and preserve the integrity of our natural habitats,” said the president of C.A.R.E., Allison Warner.