Sorenson Impact Institute will welcome acclaimed artist and environmental documentarian Toby Wright for a four-day residency, September 16–19, designed to explore how art and storytelling can elevate climate conversations. Wright will lead interdisciplinary events at the intersection of art, science, outdoor recreation, and environmental action.
Wright’s work brings a unique lens to climate communications. His documentary film “Workshop with a Ghost “(directed by Elise Orlowski and co-created with The Convergence) follows his journey through the Alps as he recreates centuries-old landscape paintings by Turner and Sargent to capture the visible impacts of a warming planet—melting glaciers, altered ecosystems, and disappearing landmarks.
At the heart of the documentary, and Wright’s work, is a timely question: in a world flooded with data, how do we tell climate stories that resonate and inspire action?
Wright’s campus residency includes two opportunities to view the documentary, first as part of an evening panel discussion on September 16, where university experts will join Wright for a discussion on the role of visual storytelling in climate communications and the value of interdisciplinary approaches to environmental problem-solving.
The second screening will take place on September 18, in partnership with the Natural History Museum of Utah. Wright will present the filmmaking and painting process in conversation with Lisa Thompson, “Climate of Hope” exhibit developer and interpretive planner at the Natural History Museum of Utah. They will discuss how to advance climate awareness and action in response to ongoing scientific and conservation efforts.
“Toby’s work turns ecological loss into something deeply personal and visible,” said Katie Macc, CEO at the Sorenson Impact Institute. “At a time when the Great Salt Lake is shrinking at an alarming rate, we need more ways to communicate the stakes, not just scientifically, but emotionally. His art helps us see what we’re losing.”
Wright will also lead two sketching workshops centered on the Great Salt Lake and Wasatch Mountains, inviting participants to use classical sketching techniques to document the changing landscapes. Attendees will draw inspiration from historical landscape paintings of the Wasatch and Great Salt Lake from the Utah Museum of Fine Arts collection to reflect on the environment’s evolution over time.
All events are free and open to the public and campus community. For a full list of events and details, visit https://sorensonimpactinstitute.com/toby-wright-events/.
Presented in partnership with the Center for Campus Recreation and Outdoor Adventures, the Natural History Museum of Utah, and the Wilkes Center for Climate Science & Policy