Jordan Parks

 Jordan Parks is a sustainable materials artist who uses art to cultivate connections between people and places, particularly Maine’s coast.  Her work fosters conversations about climate and environmental impacts, engaging people who may not have otherwise connected with southern Maine islands and waters. 

Jordan’s passion for engaging communities with  Maine’s coastal landscape stemmed from her experiences in environmental and outdoor educator. After four years of guiding sea kayak expeditions in Casco  Bay, Jordan wanted to share these experiences with people who did not often find themselves spending time on the water.   

Two of Jordan’s exhibitions, Surface First Tilts West and Windward Exhibition, offered a unique form of engagement with Casco Bay. Jordan’s Surface First Tilts West exhibition involved a series of temporary art installations created by herself and other artists on Little Chebeague Island. This initiative brought both artists and viewers to Little Chebeague, where Jordan led viewers on an interactive walk. In Jordan’s Windward Exhibition, a group of artists painted 22 sails that became artwork on Casco Bay. Both exhibitions gave dozens of Maine-based artists an opportunity to showcase their work in outdoor settings, and viewers were able to engage with Maine’s coast in sustainable and responsible ways. Additionally, Jordan has shown committment to raising awareness of Maine’s environmental and indigenous history through her work.

Jordan’s art educates and challenges individuals to consider new perspectives in environments not familiar to them. Her leadership is an example of how the climate movement can expand by connecting people to outdoor spaces through the arts.  

Jordan hopes to continue to work in outdoor education and use art to narrate and facilitate connections with Maine’s coast.