Petrochemical America

SPACE gallery
Through October 7
Various times

A multimedia exhibition opening on Wednesday at SPACE gallery poses a highly pressing question about our region: Will Pittsburgh forget the lessons learned from its toxic past in writing the next chapter for its future?

Via more than 40 photographs, drawings, audio recordings and documentary films, “Petrochemical America: From Cancer Alley to Toxic Valley” hopes to engage regional citizens in a frank conversation about our right to clean air and water.

Don’t miss the free opening reception on September 27, which will feature a slide presentation by leading environmentalist and chemist Wilma Subra. Find out why Allegheny County ranks third worst nationally for cancer risk due to point source pollution, and how you can take action. Discover the parallels between the environmental degradation of Louisiana’s “Cancer Alley” and petrochemical development in Southwestern PA.

Hear audio recorded by “Public Herald,” and view films documenting the life cycle of the petrochemical industry – from fracking, pipelines and plastics, to pollution, environmental justice and public health.

Drawing inspiration from the 2012 book, “Petrochemical America,” the exhibit is produced in collaboration with CMU’s CREATE Lab, Clean Air Council, Beaver County Marcellus Shale Awareness Committee and PennFuture, through the Air Quality Collaborative.

Learn more and view all events.

Reservations required for evening events.

Jennifer has worked at the Mattress Factory, Brooklyn Museum of Art and SLB Radio Productions. She is co-author of the award-winning book, "Pittsburgh Signs Project: 250 Signs of Western Pennsylvania." For 15-plus years, she was co-coordinator and marketing director with Handmade Arcade, Pittsburgh's first and largest independent craft fair. She makes music as The Garment District and is a founding member of Brooklyn's The Ladybug Transistor.