Author Patty Dreier and Artist Dan Sivek will share their story about collaborating on Empowered: One Planet at a Time on June 3, 2023, at Gallery Q, in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. The event will take place from 10:30 a.m. - Noon as part of a World Environment Day celebration. A brief program will take place at 11 a.m.

Both Sivek and Dreier earned higher degrees in environmental education (PhD and M.S. respectively). Both have taught environmental education and trained teachers/aspiring teachers and future conservationists. They partnered their creative talents in Empowered which is now being used at UW-Stevens Point and in other programs across the planet to equip the next generation of students to stand up for their planet and themselves. Sivek’s pastel painting commissioned by Dreier to illustrate the book will be on display in Gallery Q. Visitors will hear the story of how the art and content of the book were harmonized along with excerpts from the book including two original songs sung by Dreier which are published in it. Free coffee and cookies will be available. Drawings for free books, bookmarks, and cards will also take place along with a tree dedicated for tree-planting.