This past spring the AGO’s Youth Council teamed up with guest artist Jeffery McLarnon to assemble a forest made entirely out of waste paper destined for recycling, to explore the impact that waste and consumption are having on the environment. In developing this piece, the AGO’s Youth Council is raising awareness about the dangers of carbon dioxide and other waste by-products in our atmosphere that are accelerating climate change and environmental degradation.

"This project brings art and action together to make a statement about the future of our planet," says Syrus Marcus Ware, the AGO’s Youth Council program coordinator. "Carbon Copy compels people to respond to this warning so that we can enjoy the natural artistic landscape of Ontario for many years to come."

The project was initially shown as part of the Ignite! Youth Arts Forum in June, and will be re-installed as the highlight of Connect Art, a fundraising event hosted by WHEN that focuses on the connection between art and the environment. Connect Art is an interactive educational event to support WHEN. This non-profit, charitable organization works with communities on promoting prevention initiatives that address environmentally linked health conditions.

The AGO’s Youth Council meets weekly at the Gallery to design programming that responds to the needs of youth in the Greater Toronto Area. Past projects of the council include The Living Room Project, which won a 2005 Untitled Art Award; Hype I, II and III; Sew What?; and Metro AGO-GO: Youth Propositions for an Ideal City.

The Art Gallery of Ontario’s Youth Council is part of the AGO’s Teens Behind the Scenes. The AGO is proud to recognize Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life as the Supporting Sponsor of this important program.　The Gallery is also grateful to The Lloyd Carr-Harris Foundation for their generous support.

CONNECT ART takes place on November 15 at 6:30 pm at the Centre for Social Innovation, 215 Spadina Avenue, Suite 400, Toronto.