Surrounded by the vast, frozen landscape of the Arctic – a biting wind whipping against his face – PennWest art professor Jim Bové was reminded of the fragile ecosystem that exists within the region’s harsh and unforgiving climate. 

In August 2024, Bové joined a diverse group of international artists and scientists for a 15-day sailing expedition around the Archipelago of Spitzbergen, north of Norway, organized by the Open Bay Centre for Art and Sciences. As the travelers hiked along the icy terrain, they encountered the nearly complete skeletal remains of a polar bear at the water’s edge.

“The skeleton of a polar bear was a very powerful thing to come across,” said Bové, an Edinboro alumnus, practicing artist and faculty member on the California campus since 2005. “Another awe-inspiring day was when we drifted along the third largest icecap in the world. Waterfalls of meltwater flowed over the edge of the icecap wall. Our ship captain was able to get the expedition ship within mere meters of the wall.”

The journey, Bové’s second trip to the Arctic, was not just about observing the environment but also about interpreting it through various artistic and scientific lenses. Each day, he photographed and drew the landscape, focusing on the glaciers and icebergs.

“The arctic is a dramatic landscape of extremes – the weather, light and time of year all change how that vast landscape is perceived,” he said. “The views and landscape were as inspiring as one can imagine. My challenge was to create artwork while respecting this beautiful, protected area.”

Prior to the trip, Bové created a brooch that could be adjusted to temporarily capture various objects. He said the brooches, made of ABS plastic using 3D printing technology, symbolized the constant human presence, even in the remote landscape of the far arctic north.

Each object was temporarily set in a brooch and documented, before being carefully returned to its environment. Shipmates and crew generously modeled artwork, often in sub-freezing conditions.

“During the trip, we saw the presence of humans everywhere,” Bové said. “Plastic and commercial fishing nets were a common sight on our landings.”

His return to the Arctic reinforced the importance of combining artistic expression with scientific inquiry to communicate complex environmental issues and inspire action.

Bové, a strong advocate for cross-discipline learning and STEAM-based teaching, plans to incorporate his experiences in the classroom. Through artistic expression, he hopes to continue sharing the beauty, power and impact of one of our planet’s most inspiring places.

“The inclusion of art in STEM is essential to building creative problem solvers,” he said. “Art encourages you to develop creative problem-solving, critical thinking and collaborative skills.”

Additionally, it helps develop adaptability as students learn to navigate different disciplines and integrate them seamlessly. Art prepares students for future challenges by fostering a holistic and innovative approach to learning.

Bové earned a BFA at West Chester University before pursuing a K-12 teaching certification at Edinboro, where his interest in jewelry and metalsmithing grew. After a period of teaching in public school, he returned to Edinboro to earn his MFA as the first full-time graduate student in the newly created jewelry concentration.

Bové’s previous expedition to the Arctic led to the creation of an installation commissioned by the Pittsburgh International Airport. Additionally, his experiences and insights from the Arctic were shared through lectures in the United States and Mexico, raising awareness about the region’s environmental challenges and the importance of conservation.