Joseph Gregory Rossano:
Conservation from Here

April 26 – Summer 2022

Installation Overview

Joseph Gregory Rossano (American, born 1962). Conservation From Here, 2017–2022. Recycled aluminum. Courtesy of the artist.

In Conservation From Here, a herd of Roosevelt Elk congregates on the Museum’s Upper Plaza. This species of elk, a native to the Pacific Northwest, is named in honor of Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States. Originating at Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, Roosevelt’s home in Oyster Bay, NY, the exhibit examines the state of conservation at the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service.

In 2017 more than 200 of the same aluminum elk were installed on the President’s front lawn, before the very porch from which he addressed Americans about Conservation and Women's Suffrage. One hundred years later, the exhibit reflects on those promises while inspiring a new generation to revere animals and conserve our environment. The elk, made from recycled aluminum, are destined to be recycled again at the exhibit’s completion. 

Conservation From Here has been exhibited at Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, Weir Farm National Historic Site, and Olympic National Park. To learn more about the exhibition, and its science/art programming created in collaboration with Colin Mangham, visit: conservationfromhere.org

About the Artist

Joseph Rossano is a multidisciplinary artist, environmentalist, and outdoorsman. His work explores themes of natural history, extinction, taxonomy, and conservation in the genres of assemblage and installation art. Rossano is known for manufacturing environments incorporating wood, photography, technology, glass, and repurposed materials. Through the creation of collectives including artists, scholars, scientists, and industry, Rossano presents contemporary histories, revealing human interaction with species throughout time.

Through mentorship, collaboration, and exhibition, Rossano’s path has joined him with renowned artists and institutions, including Dale Chihuly, Pilchuck Glass School, Waterford Crystal, Museum of Glass, South Australia Museum, Google, the Smithsonian Institution, Balmoral Estate, and more. His work resides in international collections, including those of Racine Art Museum, San Diego Natural History Museum, Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories, Museum of Northwest Art, and Museum of Glass.

To learn more about the artist and his work, visit: josephrossano.com