Children of the Spills was created by me - Katie Gavenus.  I was a toddler at the time of the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill, and I grew up in a family and community directly affected by the spill, clean-up, and litigation. Motivated by an on-going commitment to prevent such a thing from happening again, and my parents’ refusal to allow me to feel helpless, I graduated from Bowdoin College in 2009 with an environmental studies degree focused on marine ecology and a visual arts degree focused on photography and public, community-based art. In recent years, I have devoted myself as an environmental educator working with primarily elementary students in California, Alaska, and Maine. My personal memories of the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill combine with my experiences working with young people and my academic background to inspire and equip me to successfully complete this project. Of course, Children of the Spills wouldn't be possible without the help of many generous individuals and organizations.  Thank you!

I welcome any suggestions or ideas you have.  Please don't hesitate to contact me with comments, questions, criticism, or to add your own spill story to the project.