From Spaceship Earth, the artist Mira Lehr shares her call-to-action. "For the first time in history, humanity can now see that pollution from fossil fuels can be reversed," says Mira Lehr. "The pandemic has led to decreased use of fossil fuels and now we can see clearly that we can control the well being of the planet with other forms of energy that do not damage the Earth." For more than fifty years, Mira Lehr has championed environmental action through her art. In 1969, the visionary Buckminster Fuller chose Lehr for his World Game group project. This influenced her artmaking for the next five decades. Today, Lehr is creating more art than ever. Her current exhibition, "Mira Lehr: High Water Mark" is on view at the Mennello Museum of American Art in Orlando and has been extended until September of 2020.

A Message from Mira Lehr

This year we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day.

These rare images haven't been seen in five decades, from the 1969 catalogue for Buckminster Fuller's visionary World Game.

Do you recognize me in these historic, archival photos from 1969?

I remember it clearly. It was during the first lunar landing, and one year before that first Earth Day. 

In 1969, Bucky Fuller brought together scientists, artists, engineers, performers, poets and thinkers to create solutions to save the planet. I was one of two artists he chose that year and it changed my life.

He liked to call our planet Spaceship Earth. Sound familiar? Where are we now, in 2020? What could we learn from this, a half-century later, during today's planetary crisis? 

I am searching for new ways to reach people who are relying on digital pathways because they are staying home for social distancing.

In the spirit of Bucky and his 1969 World Game, my new online series - MiraVision - will strive for uplifting messages that are forward looking. 

Please indulge me on this important point: it’s pronounced “M-eye-ra” (not "M-eee-ra").

Now, repeat after me: MiraVision.

We begin with "High Water Mark," my current exhibition at the Mennello Museum of American Art.

Since the museum is temporarily closed, I invite you to experience their terrific new online presentations. I am sharing these with my audiences at miralehr.com/high-water-mark-exhibition-videos and at miralehr.com/exhibition-phototour. 

To kick things off, here are two of Bucky's prescient quotes. You might agree his words could apply to our dilemma now:

“We are called to be the architects of the future, not its victims.” ― Buckminster Fuller.

“People sometimes say, I wonder how it feels to be on a spaceship, . . . and I say: Well, look around you, you are on one. How does it feel? You are on Spaceship Earth.” ― Buckminster Fuller.

We can all get through this together. It’s all about ideas. If we can heal the planet, we can heal ourselves.

The videos that follow were created by the marvelous team at The Mennello Museum of American Art.

My exhibition, “High Water Mark,” has been extended by the museum until September 20. This will allow more time for people to see my show in person, in appreciation of safe re-opening guidelines.

These videos are a great resource for parents and children who are still staying at home. They are narrated by the museum’s Curator of Art Education, Katherine Page.

Art is always a powerful tool for learning and to spark creativity, for people of all ages. I am grateful to the museum for this platform that helps families during this challenging time.