Fool's Gold fuels the debate on climate change

Fool's Gold explores the cost of consumerism and convenience in a world where instant gratification has become the norm.

Artists Hayley Harrison and Pamela Schilderman transform everyday waste and natural resources to create striking pieces which question the value we invest in material goods and the impact we have on the world around us.

From salt crystals to discarded crisp packets, Harrison and Schilderman generate a sense of wonderment from waste and the natural world, fashioning pieces which inject elements of fantasy into the everyday.

The exhibition, which opens on Saturday 25 January, aims to generate conversations on the climate crisis and the impact of people's lifestyles on the planet.

Sarah Holdaway, Rugby Art Gallery and Museum's senior visual arts officer, said: "Climate change has dominated the headlines and global political debate in recent years, and Hayley and Pamela's work challenges our relationship with the world around us while questioning our everyday consumer habits.

"The pieces featured in Fool's Gold both entertain and engage, and we hope visitors feel inspired to join the conversation and question the role we all have to play in tackling climate change."

Fool's Gold runs at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum until Saturday 14 March.

During the exhibition, the artists visit the gallery to create an art installation (Saturday 1 February) and host a talk about the inspirations behind the works (Tuesday 3 March).

Pamela Schilderman also holds a Make Your Own Wind Turbine science workshop on Friday 21 February.

For more information, and to book, visit www.ragm.co.uk/foolsgold

Cllr Jill Simpson-Vince, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for growth and investment, said: "Rugby Borough Council made a cross-party commitment in July to take steps towards achieving carbon neutrality by declaring a climate emergency, and councils and governments have started to put climate considerations at the top of the political agenda when planning for the future.

"This is a key issue for all of us and therefore we all have a role to play, and this new exhibition at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum encourages us to think about what we consume, what we waste and what we can do."