Erin Towns is a distinguished digital and drone photographer specializing in polar research photography, based in Augusta, Maine. She is a National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Program Fellow and an alumna of the PolarTREC Teacher Program. With 24 years of experience in the classroom, Erin has traveled extensively, collaborating with educators and students both nationally and internationally to develop interdisciplinary curricula that integrate history, economics, Earth and climate science, and visual arts. Currently, she also serves as a graduate research assistant at the University of Maine, where she facilitates programs that connect teens with PolarSTEM career exploration opportunities in Arctic environments.
Erin's artistic journey is deeply rooted in her passion for the Arctic and her home state of Maine, coupled with a commitment to education and climate science. As an inquisitive artist, she excels at capturing the intricate details of landscapes while exploring the interconnections among the Earth, its inhabitants, and the scientific principles that bind them. Through her lens, Erin engages in a continual process of self-discovery, finding hope amid the pressing environmental challenges we face today. Her work is action-oriented, aimed at seeking solutions that address contemporary issues.
As a Maine-based artist, Erin draws constant inspiration from the natural beauty surrounding her. Her photography not only celebrates the unique themes of Maine but also resonates universally, highlighting the critical need for environmental preservation. Through her explorations in polar regions, she effectively links changes occurring in these remote areas to the realities faced in Maine, engaging students and the broader community in conversations about climate impact. It is Erin’s heartfelt aspiration that her work serves as a powerful testament to the potential of art and humanity to inspire change, providing a fresh perspective on our world.