sWARM, a climate art installation about urban heat, opens at the Springfield Science Museum

Join LARP on Saturday, June 1st from 11am-3pm at the Springfield Science Museum for the opening of sWARM, a educational climate art installation co-created by UMass Associate Professor Carolina Aragon's Art for Public Good, 500 students from the Duggan Academy, and Cooler Communities.

 This fun and information event aims to bring awareness to the impacts of rising heat in urban communities as a result of climate change.

This past spring, our UMass team worked with students to fold, decorate, and paint hundreds of color-changing butterflies. As temperatures rise, a special thermochromic paint causes each butterfly to transform from dark pink to translucent, revealing the original yellow of the Origami paper. Altogether, the "swarm" of butterflies will serve as a visual thermometer, prompting viewers to consider how extreme heat from climate change impacts indoor public spaces.

Other science and art activities will accompany the exhibition, including quizzes, raffles, and information about how to protect yourself, your home, and your community from rising heat.

The exhibit will be on display in the Tolman room at the Science Museum for 3 months. Entry is free for all residents of Springfield with a valid ID.

Photo by LARP alumna Camilla Novo