Species in Peril Along the Rio Grande began as a discussion about how to approach organizing an art exhibition addressing species that are in crisis. We wanted to focus our efforts specifically on species rather than delve into the larger causes and impacts of climate change. Initially, the project was conceived as way to

explore species loss on a national and global scale but we realized that our efforts would have more impact if we engaged with local artists, focused on our own geographic area, and made the process collaborative and interdisciplinary. Rather than select solely existing work, we invited a group of artists who live in the Rio Grande region to participate in a series of discussions that brought together curators, artists, scientists, community groups, nonprofits, and professors. Despite the overwhelming scientific information that is available, many people simply are not aware of what is happening in our own backyard. The bird die-off in the Pecos, the loss of wildflowers in Colorado, and the threats to species due to barriers being built on the US-Mexico border are just a few examples.