November 8, 2007 - January 20, 2008

Meridian International Center and National Geographic magazine have partnered to present a new exhibition which highlights the increasing fragility of the Arctic regions as a result of rising temperatures in the atmosphere. Life at the Edge: The Big Thaw, which will be on view at Meridian International Center's Cafritz Galleries beginning November 8, 2007, includes 50 compelling photographs by renowned photographer Paul Nicklen, with additional photographer James Balog, of the arctic environments that support animal and sea life in these precious areas.  Also included are charts and maps showing the already changing landscape. The relevance for the rest of the planet is clear. Sponsorship by American Clean Skies Foundation and SAIC has helped to make the exhibition possible. 

Said Meridian President Stuart Holliday, “Meridian is pleased to partner with National Geographic on this important and timely exhibit which deals with a fundamental issue – the future of our planet.”

Chris Johns, Editor in Chief of National Geographic magazine, who has himself photographed in Alaska, added, “We are delighted to work with Meridian to share Paul Nicklen’s and James Balog’s photography with the public. They document an important ecological issue that speaks to a common goal of Meridian and National Geographic — to inspire people to care about the long-term well-being of our planet.”

Meridian International Center is a private, nonprofit institution promoting international understanding through the exchange of people, ideas and the arts.

National Geographic magazine is the official journal of the National Geographic Society, one of the world’s largest nonprofit educational and scientific organizations. Published in English and 31 local-language editions, the magazine has a global circulation of around 8.5 million.

Photo by Paul Nicklen/National Geographic