ART IN ACTION

Local artist travels to Mexico to take a stand for an island’s residents and wildlife

 March 22, 2013 – Potomac, MD – Melissa Rothstein, a local Maryland art student, will be one of twelve artists from around the world to travel to Holbox Island, Mexico this summer to participate in a project entitled “Dreaming of Holbox.” The project is a series of murals, based on interviews with residents, which will capture their dreams about the past, present and future of the island, and will inspire tourists and visitors to respect and protect its unique culture and heritage. Rothstein’s mural will focus on the species and ecosystems on the island, as well as the livelihoods that depend on them, all of which could be threatened by unchecked development.

“The murals will open a public dialogue about the future of the island, about what the people want their grandchildren to experience,” Rothstein said. “They will encourage visitors to protect this beautiful and unique place.”

Rothstein is raising funds for herself and the other artists. For more information and to support the project, visit: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/51377316/sonando-por-holbox-dreaming-of-holbox-0 The project was inspired by the graduate research of Susan Getty and was co-created by Daniel Trigo and Tathiana Canale. Rothstein’s role in the project has been supported by her participation in the Landmark Education leadership program (www.landmarkeducation.com).