Art, Environment, and Community Intersect at “Climate Change Now” Exhibit Reception
Nicholas Mistretta
Montgomery Township, NJ — June 12, 2025 — A spirit of reflection, artistry, and environmental awareness filled the Montgomery Municipal Center on Wednesday evening as residents gathered for the “Meet the Artists” reception celebrating the township’s current art exhibit, Climate Change Now. The exhibit features powerful, environmentally focused works by local artists Spriha Gupta and Susan Hockaday.
Hosted in the bright, open lobby of the Municipal Center—a space specifically designed to serve as a cultural hub—the event was well attended by community members, officials, and art enthusiasts. Guests had the opportunity to engage directly with the artists, who spoke candidly about the personal and global influences of climate change on their creative process.
Montgomery Mayor Neena Singh opened the evening with thoughtful remarks, emphasizing both the importance of local artistic expression and the urgent message embedded in the exhibit. “Tonight, we celebrate not only the incredible work of local artists… but also the vital message their art conveys—one that calls on all of us to reflect on the delicate balance between humanity and nature,” she said. “Susan and Spriha have given us a window into the environmental challenges we face, especially the impact of plastic waste and mass consumerism.”
The exhibit, curated with support from the Montgomery Environmental Commission, highlights how artists interpret and respond to the pressing issue of climate change. From textured multimedia pieces to delicate ecological motifs, the artwork invites viewers to consider their own roles in protecting the environment.
Longtime Montgomery resident and acclaimed artist Clem Fiori, a fixture in the local art community, also addressed the audience, lending his perspective on both the exhibit and the broader value of public art in civic spaces. His remarks were met with warm appreciation, underscoring the township’s deep-rooted support for creative voices.
The Climate Change Now exhibit remains on display in the Montgomery Municipal Center lobby, continuing to serve as a visual catalyst for conversation and awareness. Residents are encouraged to visit during regular municipal hours and experience the work firsthand.
For a township known for its environmental leadership and commitment to sustainability, Wednesday’s reception was a meaningful reminder of how art can deepen our understanding of the world—and inspire action to preserve it.
Photo Credit: Nicholas Mistretta and Nicholas M. Mistretta/headlinenewsmontgomery.com