By Monica Rodriquez | Reporter
Local healthy dining spot, Terry & Jo’s Food for Thought is hosting “Climate Change Art Exhibit: The Art of Survival,” sponsored by Waco Friends of Peace and Climate, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., every Tuesday through Sunday from Sept. 1 to October 1. The exhibit is meant to showcase the threatening nature of climate change, as well as solutions to the issues. The paintings are displayed throughout the entire restaurant and depict various artistic interpretations of how climate change has affected different parts of the world.
“We’ve never really done anything like this before,” said Jo Dove, owner of the restaurant. “But after meeting customers last week who had been affected by the hurricane in Houston, we figured it’d be perfect timing to raise awareness on the issue of climate change and the devastating effects it has on our planet.”
Food for Thought is located at 1121 Speight Ave., just a couple of blocks from campus. According to their Facebook page, their “focus is on using healthy, natural ingredients” as well as offering a large and diverse selection of delicious gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan items for every type of customer.
Upon entering the store, there are shelves stocked full of healthy groceries as well as grab-and-go snacks, personal care and beauty products made with all-natural ingredients, and other non-perishable items.
Walking into the dining area, customers are welcome to browse over 20 different paintings, drawings and photos that make up the art exhibit. Each frame or canvas has a notecard with the name of the piece, the name of the artist and what materials were used to make the piece.
A majority of the paintings are also available for customers to purchase and take home when the exhibit is over. The price of each piece ranges from $40 to $2,000.
The exhibit is being sponsored by the group Waco Friends of Peace/Climate. Their blog states that their purpose is to gather people in the Waco area who are “dedicated to combating climate change through education and direct action.”
The group meets every third Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. at 703 N. Valley Mills Drive and is open to everyone.
On Saturday, September 16, there will be a special artist showcase event from 6 to 8 p.m. at Food for Thought. The evening will have live music, snacks and an artist exhibit contest with cash prizes. Customers can vote for their favorite piece, take home free, reusable grocery bags and also sign a petition for a 100 percent renewable Waco and fight for climate change. Admission is also free.
“It’s really nice to
see some of these Waco restaurants stepping up and recognizing the issues going
on in the world right now,” said Houston junior John Crichton and a long-time
frequenter of Food for Thought. “With all the natural disasters occurring recently,
it’s great that they’re hosting a place for people to not only get great food,
but become more informed about climate change as well.”
