2026
Global Warming is REAL:
Resilience
Juried Encaustic/Wax Exhibition
The exhibition opens at the Museum of Encaustic Art on September 12
with an opening reception on Sept 12
from noon – 3 pm
Exhibit runs through November 1
View the exhibit online:
To see the work juried into the exhibition or to make a purchase:
Click on the artist name under the thumbnail images below. The links connect to a large image on each artist’s page with more details, purchase options, and the artist’s statement on how their work relates to the theme of the climate crisis.
Information: Mehrens@eainm.com or 505-424-6487
JUROR JANE CORNISH SMITH
Dallas, Texas Sept 2026
JUROR NOTES:
When the Encaustic Art Institute initially invited me to jury the 2026 Global Warming is REAL exhibition with the theme of resiliency, I wondered whether artists would feel the mission to find positivity within the devastating effects of global warming too difficult a task. Climate change has far-reaching repercussions—unprecedented temperature change, increased sea levels, extreme weather, and more—that pose a definite threat. Yet throughout the evaluation process, I saw an impressive, hope-filled diversity of imagery, technique, and conceptual considerations in both art and artist statements alike.
With wax media as a key component, the beautiful versatility of the medium comes through in the artists’ work, whether used alone or not. Artists were innovative in their incorporation of other materials such as glass, fiber, pearl beads, dried flora, metal leaf, and even an oil drum lid. Techniques included cyanotype, photography, painting, monotype, and burns. Imagery spanned from abstraction to the objective. Artists conveyed urgency and positivity through color and mark. They depicted real climate change-induced catastrophes such as the 2025 Texas Hill Country inland flood, Hurricane Helene, and the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles. They went on to portray and mention climate adaptation solutions such as water-capturing acequias, windbreaks, and nature’s bog ecosystems. Their statements mentioned environmental stewardship, such as the United Nations High Seas Treaty and the U.S. Forest Service Burned Area Emergency Response program. A challenging artist call; an inspiring response!
What I looked for in artists’ submissions was aesthetics, creativity, and a strong connection to the theme of global warming and resiliency. As noted in a submission, “resilience begins as awareness,” and it is through the artists’ expression that an important awareness was realized.
I am honored to jury the EAI 10th annual Global Warming is REAL exhibition. I encourage all the artists who entered pieces to keep creating and submitting. You have been seen. You have helped champion a resilient state—where, through the strength of nature and human endeavor, a verdant, healthy world can be a reality.
Click here to read Jane Cornish Smith’s bio