FER CAGGIANO

A SERIES ON BEES AND POLLINATORS

The Hive exhibition is an initiative to raise awareness about the crucial importance of preserving the health of bees and other pollinators. Our agricultural integrity and ecological diversity are contingent on a thriving population of pollinating creatures. 

Art With Purpose

My Mission: To Use Art As A Voice For The Greater Good

Art is all about creating a shift in someone’s mind. If a person is uneasy, art can bring peace. If someone feels stagnant, art can make them move. Every painting is a portal with the ability to transport people to a different mindset, triggering a set of emotions, whether bringing the observer to a peaceful place or encouraging their minds to venture into new ideas.

I see art as a catalyst to promote change, and I have a calling to use my art as a voice for the greater good. I am constantly working on projects that support causes I believe in, such as equality and sustainability.

After Like A Girl: Dare To Dream, I was asked, “What is next?”

There are several big projects, always cooking in the back of my head, and until I can get organized for something major, I put small shows together to recompose myself. However, no matter the size of the show, I am committed to bringing awareness to a cause I believe in.

Besides paintings of bees and pollinators, I shared educational material on the importance of these remarkable creatures and what we can do to support their existence.

From the idea of creating an impact with my art, even at a commercial show, I decided to create “The Hive,” an exhibition to bring awareness to the importance of bees and pollinators.

The exhibition was hosted at the Grand Bohemian Gallery in Charleston, SC, in October 2021 and got a lot of attention from the local press.

NFT ART

Before the physical installation of the exhibition at the Grand Bohemian, thirty-three bees were minted and put on the marketplace for NFTs. The collection is sold out!

View it here for secondary sales.

Some Facts

Globally there are more honey bees than other types of bees and pollinating insects, so it is the world’s most important pollinator of food crops. It is estimated that one-third of the food we consume each daily relies on pollination, mainly by bees, but also by other insects, birds, and bats.

In 2016, 44% of managed beehives in the US died. The number of managed honey bee colonies in the United States has declined steadily over the past 60 years.

How you can help

Bees and other pollinators play a vital role in our ecosystem by helping plants to reproduce. Here are some ways that you can support bees and pollinators:

1. Plant pollinator-friendly plants: Planting flowers and plants that are rich in nectar and pollen is an easy way to attract bees and other pollinators to your garden. Native plants are especially good because they are adapted to your local ecosystem.
2. Provide nesting sites: Many pollinators, like solitary bees, nest in hollow stems, snags, or soil. You can provide nesting sites by leaving some areas of your garden natural, and by creating habitat features such as bee hotels or bee boxes.
3. Avoid using pesticides: Pesticides can be toxic to pollinators, so try to avoid using them in your garden. If you must use them, use them sparingly and only when necessary.
4. Support local beekeepers: Buying honey from local beekeepers can help support their beekeeping practices and also provide important pollination services to nearby crops.
5. Spread awareness: Help spread awareness about the importance of pollinators to our ecosystem and how to support them by talking to your friends and family, and sharing information on social media.

By taking these steps, you can help create a healthy habitat for bees and other pollinators and contribute to the health of our environment.