AWE is a professional networking organization based in Minnesota. We believe connecting people to nature is the foundation for protecting and maintaining healthy waterways, ecosystems and communities. We strive to expand opportunities for people to access and understand nature through arts-engaged outreach experiences.

AWE brings together professionals from the worlds of art + water + ecology whose work is to connect people with nature. We are building a community of practice to find new ways of collaborating across disciplines, remove barriers and share success stories.

AWE Network gathers once a quarter for energizing presentations by artists, informative visits to environmental organizations, camaraderie and professional networking.

We are

• artists

• environmental professionals

• scientists

• government employees

• nonprofit workers

• educators

• and more

Why AWE?

Existing models of collaboration across the worlds of art, natural science, and community engagement are limited. Granting cycles are long, environmental workers don’t have access to artist networks, and community engagement is an ever-changing challenge for organizations. AWE seeks to build access between environmental professionals and amazing artists that can help them connect with the communities they serve.

We chose the community of practice model to center the knowledge in the room, leave room for emergent ideas, and grow as we go.

Our History

In June 2024, MWMO Outreach Manager Abby Moore and artist Sarah Nassif brought together folks working at the intersections of art, water, ecology, and community at the MWMO Stormwater Park and Learning Center. Together, the group explored the question: "What do we need to nurture the intersections of art, science, and community?" The response was clear: the chance to connect with one another in person.

In January 2025 we officially launched the AWE Network—a professional connection space for those passionate about this work.