Art meets conservation

From Adam S. Doyle’s "Urban Wildlife: Learning to Co-Exist” show (firestarter, dye sublimated aluminum), at ArtProv Gallery, Providence.

From Patricia Hansen’s show “A Memory of Elephants,’’ also at ArtProv Gallery (charcoal and pastel on paper).

Both connected shows, which run through Nov. 9, look at the consequences of our interactions and interdependency with animals. Art meets conservation. The gallery says:

“‘Urban Wildlife: Learning to Co-Exist’ is staged in collaboration with Creature Conserve (creatureconserve.com), run by Dr. Lucy Spelman, whose aim is to bring artists and scientists together to foster informed and sustained support for animal conservation. The exhibit, which features works by 40 artists, explores the lives of wild animals in urban areas and the human responses to this shared territory. The goal of the show is to encourage the viewing public to take an active role in healthy co-existence with urban animals. Dr. Spelman will also lead a discussion titled ‘Art Can Save a Panda’ at the gallery on Nov. 7 from 6 to 8 p.m.

‘‘‘A Memory of Elephants’ is a mother/child elephant series evolved from a journey in northern Thailand, where Ms. Hansen spent time with former working elephants, now rescued, learning to care for them and developing a bond and mutual trust in the process. Babies of different ages were present as well and the tender mother/child relationship was a joyous, life-affirming thing to witness. Upon her return to the U.S., Ms. Hansen found that the elephants has become a metaphor for her of our relationship to the earth, prompting her to reflect more deeply about the issues of our co-existence and how we need to live now – respectful in a sustainable world.’’