We join the world in celebrating the life and legacy of Sebastiao Salgado, a legendary photographer and environmentalist who died on May 23. When the Brower Center first opened in 2009, we knew we needed art worthy of the call of planetary salvation. We were deeply grateful that Sebastiao generously gave us his art and time for our inaugural exhibition in the Hazel Wolf Gallery. His incredible photography told the story of an era, tracing the human and environmental impacts of modern industrial civilization through the lives of workers, the rural poor, and the displaced. Not only did he document the struggles of humanity and the planet, but he also lived a life of rebirth and healing. Through his Instituto Terra, he and his wife reforested over 2 million trees in his native Brazil, becoming a vibrant example of environmental recovery. In just over a decade, he nonprofit transformed a barren family farm into a lush natural heritage reserve. His life remains an inspiration of the intersection of art and action. He will be missed. (fb)

Every year, our annual youth exhibition gives Bay Area high school students a platform to speak out about environmental issues that matter to them. In Art/Act: Youth—Symbiotic Cities, 147 artists share their visions for greener and bluer urban spaces. We asked Pearl Gruen of Berkeley High about her experience participating in the show, and she dazzled us with her enthusiasm and her sincere love of trees. Art/Act: Youth—Symbiotic Cities will be on view at the Brower Center until May 15. Don’t miss this hopeful and energizing exhibition! Visit browercenter.org for gallery hours and more information. (fb)