CHARLOTTE, N.C. (August 27, 2026) – Discovery Place Science is proud to present  
 
Opening August 29, the exhibition invites visitors to explore themes of conservation, biodiversity, endangered species and humanity’s relationship with the natural world through Alberni’s vibrant, multidisciplinary body of work. 
 
“The natural world is full of extraordinary species and interconnected ecosystems, yet many are under increasing pressure,” said Dr. Lisa Hoopes, Chief Science Officer at Discovery Place. “Tina Alberni’s artwork invites us to consider both the beauty of biodiversity and what’s at stake if we lose it.” 
 
In Mending the Wild, visitors will see a collection of works in reclaimed fabric and paper alongside paintings on canvas that explore the delicate balance between connection and loss. Alberni uses discarded materials to draw attention to the environmental impact of waste, overconsumption and fast fashion while reflecting on the changing relationship between people and the natural world. 
 
“Through acts of mending, layering and transformation, each piece holds space for memory while acknowledging the fragility of what sustains us,” said Alberni. “Together, they invite us to consider not only what is vanishing, but how our choices—what we consume, how we build and how we coexist— can begin to preserve, repair and carry forward the world we share.” 
 
The exhibition is organized by Nine Eighteen Nine Studio Gallery, a Charlotte-based artist advocacy and community arts organization that advances local artists through exhibitions, mentorship and professional development opportunities. Located within the VAPA Center, Nine Eighteen Nine contributes to a vibrant arts community that uses creative expression as a catalyst for community engagement, education and connection. 
 
Community Opening of Mending the Wild: 
 
Discovery Place Science will host a free community opening celebration after museum hours on Friday, September 25, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., offering guests an opportunity to experience the exhibition and hear from artist Tina Alberni. Tickets are limited and advance registration is required here. 
 
Mending the Wild will be on view daily at Discovery Place Science through December 31, 2026, and is included with museum admission and membership. 
 
Images and captions for media use can be downloaded here. Media interested in attending the community opening celebration can RSVP with Alyssa Mulliger, senior director of communications, at amulliger@discoveryplace.org. 
 
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About Discovery Place Science 
Located in the heart of Uptown Charlotte, Discovery Place Science is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and a leading hub for science learning in the Carolinas. Through exploration, experimentation and discovery, the museum’s educational programs, interactive experiences and large-scale exhibitions invite visitors of all ages to engage with science—cultivating curiosity, inspiring lifelong learning and empowering future generations of thinkers, innovators and problem-solvers. Discovery Place’s network includes Discovery Place Science, Discovery Place Kids-Huntersville, Discovery Place Kids-Rockingham and the future Charlotte Museum of Nature. For more information about Discovery Place Science, visit discoveryplace.org. 
 
About Nine Eighteen Nine Studio Gallery 
Founded in February 2020, Nine Eighteen Nine Studio Gallery is an artist advocacy and community arts organization located in Uptown Charlotte which is dedicated to supporting local artists and using the arts as a catalyst for community engagement, education and connection. We provide artists with opportunities to create, exhibit and sell their work while offering mentorship, studio space, training and professional development. We also serve collectors and the broader community through art consultation, educational classes, workshops and arts programming. For more information, visit www.nineeighteennine.com. 
 
About VAPA Center 
Founded in February 2021, VAPA (The Visual and Performing Arts Center), is a non-profit organization committed to cultivating affordable, accessible space for artists to create, practice, exhibit, and perform. Bringing vibrant arts experiences to the heart of Charlotte, VAPA is home to hundreds of artists and creative organizations who regularly showcase a diverse range of events including art galleries, indoor and outdoor concerts, sound stages, traditional theater performances and comedy shows throughout the year. For more information, visit https://www.vapacenter.com/.