Confluence: Community, Collaboration, and Water Justice

Art & Design / Arts (Peck School of the)

Description

Research assistants and I have been working with the renowned Brooklyn artist, Mary Miss, on the City as Living Laboratory: Sustainability Made Tangible through the Arts (CALL) and WaterMarks projects. We develop community and public art projects that integrate art and science to deepen relationships/connections between community members and their natural surroundings. Projects are offered and strengthened through partnerships with UWM’s Departments of Geography, Freshwater Sciences, and CBLLR; and with community organizations including Anchor Press, Paper and Print (formerly CCR), Lynden Sculpture Garden, the Milwaukee Dept. of Public Works, 16th Street Community Health Center, Pulaski Park Neighborhood Association, Kinnickinnic River Neighbors in Action, Milwaukee Water Commons, Milwaukee Turners, House of R.A.D., and Steamroller MKE. Our projects in 2021-22 will take place in Milwaukee’s northwest and south neighborhoods. Research assistants and project leads will offer papermaking, printmaking, Zines, and book arts activities to engage multi-generational participants. We will organize and participate in events that begin with presentations and discussions about environmental issues, offer creative hands-on activities, and conclude with celebrating and showcasing collaborative artworks. Projects will inform our creative research (personal artwork). We will share results through exhibitions, conference presentations, neighborhood events, and on the WaterMarks website. Student Tasks: We will work with partners and community members to develop and deliver art+science centered projects and workshops. This involves research (history of neighborhoods, environmental problems and solutions, and artistic media such as printmaking, papermaking and book arts techniques).

Tasks and Responsibilities

The student(s) will create project descriptions, supply lists, and budgets. They will research and test processes that utilize native plants, soil, and water in printmaking, papermaking, and book arts. The student(s) will assist with and participate in set up, instruction, creation, and clean up. In the KSE faculty studios, the student(s) will create personal projects inspired by the research; then professionally document, archive, display, and share results (interviews, websites, conference presentations, exhibitions, etc.).

Desired Qualifications

None listed.