“Cool Globes” Roll into Embarcadero Marina Park North with Messages of Environmental Awareness

Wednesday, 26 November 2008
Contact: Marguerite Elicone (619) 686-6222

An artistic take on saving the planet debuts at the Port of San Diego's Embarcadero Marina Park North in December. "Cool Globes - Hot Ideas for a Cooler Planet," is an exhibit of 42 artist-designed fiberglass globes, each one is five feet in diameter and stands 7 1/2 feet tall. The globes depict solutions to environmental issues as portrayed by local, national and international artists.

Sponsored by Chicago-based Cool Globes, Inc., with local support provided by the Sempra Energy Foundation, the exhibit was created to embrace energy conservation and help combat climate change.

The globes will be on display on the pedestrian walkway in Seaport Village and Embarcadero Marina Park North from December 1, 2008 through March 15, 2009.

Local artist Michelle Bassler designed the globe "Cool Careers," which features several disciplines in the science field. From zoology to atmospheric chemistry, her globe introduces children to the creative and collaborative world of science. The environmental artist Wyland, also a San Diegan and famous for his nature scenes of ocean life created the globe "Hands Across the Ocean." His sculpture inspires us to take a global view of the oceans, lakes, rivers, estuaries and wetlands.

Other stand-outs include "Plastics, Metals and Cell phones - Oh My!" by Faheem Majeed and the Gary Comer Youth Center. This colorful globe has dozens of cell phones and recyclable items attached. A thought-provoking globe by artist Nancy Steinmeyer called "First we Scream, then we Act" has a reproduction of Edward Munch's famous painting, "The Scream" emblazoned on it. It depicts the planet calling out for help.

The globes were previously on display in San Diego's Balboa Park, where they drew large crowds of both children and adults. After they leave Embarcadero Marina Park North, the exhibit will be on display in Los Angeles before it heads to London in 2009.

Cool Globes was launched in Chicago in 2006 by environmental activist Wendy Abrams. The original project consisted of over 120 sculpted globes that were displayed along Chicago's lakefront.

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