Fogel creates 'Keep Salmon Off Drugs' ad campaign

By Dean Rhodes

Smoke Signals editor

As part of the inaugural class of Science in Studio Award winners, Tribal member Stephanie Fogel has created an ad campaign called “Keep Salmon Off Drugs.”

Fogel, who is a senior at the Pacific Northwest College of Art in Portland and set to graduate with a bachelor’s degree this month, created the print and web campaign that will be released officially on Wednesday, May 6.

The “Keep Salmon Off Drugs” campaign will be seen in Oregon, as well as Washington, California and Idaho, and be featured in the Oregonian.

“This public education effort funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency addresses the rising level of pharmaceutical chemicals being detected in our watersheds,” she said. “This problem not only affects human beings, but it also causes damage to salmon populations. This poster and web campaign will help raise awareness about proper disposal of medications, and tie human actions to the protection of wildlife.”

In 2013, NOAA Fisheries and the Pacific Northwest College of Arts joined forces to bridge environmental science and conservation with art to create social change. The collaboration culminated in an animation about the importance of near-shore habitats to salmon recovery and what landowners can do to support healthy habitat on their property.

The success of the pilot project attracted participation by the EPA and the establishment of the Science in Studio Award. The 2015 award winners focused on water quality and the effect toxins have on the landscape.

Fogel, who was one of four recipients, is an interdisciplinary artist focused on promoting community awareness and environmental responsibility. She designed the multi-media campaign.

Fogel attended the Pacific Northwest College of Art on a Tribal scholarship.