TORONTO, ONTARIO – From May 6 to July 26, 2024, the Lakeshore Grounds Interpretive Centre at Humber will welcome "Patterns and Parallels: The Great Imperative to Survive", on loan from the Roberta Bondar Foundation. This is the first time the exhibition will be displayed in the Greater Toronto Area and is currently the only scheduled stop in Toronto.
The photography exhibition, "Patterns & Parallels," by the first female Canadian astronaut, Dr. Roberta Bondar, showcases groundbreaking new perspectives on at-risk birds. The exhibition launched at the Art Gallery of Algoma in Sault Ste. Marie, Dr. Bondar’s hometown, and will travel across Canada over the next two years.
Dr. Bondar is an internationally acclaimed photographer whose foundation is dedicated to environmental education. Her latest photography exhibit combines images from land, air and space through a partnership with NASA to tell the story of the migratory patterns of the Whooping Crane, Lesser Flamingo and Piping Plover species, which are all threatened or at risk of extinction.
“The diversity and numbers of birds are declining as our changing planet tests their fragility and resilience,” said Dr. Bondar. “People want to understand more, to reverse this alarming trend, and they need stories to bolster their commitment to the critical conservation of birds.”
The exhibition is a key part of the Roberta Bondar Foundation’s Space For Birds project, which uses photography to create a visual story that will help us understand the biodiversity of nature and the impact of human actions and climate change on bird migration and habitat loss.
“Humber believes in the power of creativity and sustainability to shape a brighter future,” said Nadine Finlay, curator and academic manager of Humber’s Lakeshore Grounds Interpretive Centre. “Partnering with the Roberta Bondar Foundation to showcase this exhibition exemplifies our commitment to artistic expression while championing environmental stewardship."
The exhibition features large, dramatic colour images taken by Dr. Bondar and selected NASA space images, as well as video installations. QR codes at the exhibition create an interactive learning experience, allowing visitors access to digital learning opportunities including animations, audio from Dr. Bondar, and additional videos taken in the field.
"Patterns & Parallels: The Great Imperative to Survive" will be on display at The Fashion Institute at 3166 Lake Shore Blvd W. in Etobicoke from May 6 to July 26, 2024.
If you’d like to learn more about the Lakeshore Grounds Interpretive Centre, please visit: www.lakeshoregrounds.ca.
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About the Roberta Bondar Foundation
The Roberta Bondar Foundation is a not-for-profit charitable organization that takes an inspiring approach to understanding our growing environmental challenges. The Foundation fuses environmental science and visual art through nature photography to bring people closer to nature. The Foundation’s programs are designed to promote curiosity, respect for and protection of the environment while building healthier lives. Visit therobertabondarfoundation.org
About Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning
Innovation. Opportunity. Partnership. Support. At Humber College, we bring it all to more than 86,000 learners, in-person and online. As a global leader in polytechnic education, Humber provides in-depth theoretical learning, hands-on, work-integrated experiences and applied research opportunities to students at three main Toronto locations and beyond. Extensive industry connections, experienced faculty and a comprehensive range of credentials, including honours undergraduate degrees, Ontario graduate certificates, diplomas, apprenticeships, and certificates prepare career-ready global citizens for success in the future world of work. Visit humber.ca.
For more information, please contact:
Sylvie Lendvay
Media Relations Specialist
Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning
sylvie.lendvay@humber.ca | 416.729.8940
Nancy Croome
Managing Director
Roberta Bondar Foundation
ncroome@therobertabondarfoundation.org | 416.484.9744