An art show in response to the Gulf of Mexico oil disaster at the Loyola University Danna Center Gallery (underground level) was inaugurated Wednesday, Nov. 3. The show is titled (Re)Act. and is organized and curated by Michelle Pontiff, visual arts senior. The goal of the show is to highlight people’s visual response to this disaster.

​The initial idea for (Re)Act was inspired by Pontiff’s trip to Grand Isle, La, where many residents put up handmade signs along the streets in response to the disaster.

​”My original idea was to display photographs of these signs. The show as it is now grew and expanded from there,” Pontiff said.

​There is a wide range of art in the show including works from Loyola students, Loyola alumni, local, and out of state artists.

Pontiff said, “The show will explore the role art plays as a medium to create social and environmental change.” Also, Pontiff said the art gallery is a space to, “Share information and communicate ideas.”

​Pontiff described the show as a means to explore, “The space where art and activism meet.”

The opening was held Wednesday, Nov. 3 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. There were a series of presentations on various aspects of the spill.

​In putting together this show, Pontiff’s hope is that it is not only a platform for continued discussion and action on this devastating disaster, but also on, “The broader underlining issues that created this unfortunate situation.”

Both the reception and access to the gallery throughout the run of the show are free and open to the public.

Kris Johnson can be reached at [email protected]

A headdress on exhibit titled, Krewe of Dead Pelicans by Cynthia Garza displays a representation of the effects of the oil spill on wildlife. The peice featues a deceased and oiled pelican. (SANTIAGO CAICEDO/Staff Photographer)