Organizers of the College Park Climate Action Neighborhood will host a free, open-air community arts and science festival Saturday as they showcase the creation of two storm track murals during a water education event.
The free event will also feature a Block Rite cleanup hosted by Artivist Corp, a stormwater management talk by a former US Environmental Protection Agency official, a nature newsletter and an interactive gallery. designed to draw attention to the issue of plastic waste.
Two rising seniors from the Pennsylvania College of Art and Design will build a mix. Charlie Boyce specializes in using recycled and found materials in mixed media paintings, and Krista Canoles spreads environmental awareness with fun pieces that respect nature.
“My design highlights the native plants and animals that are important to the Conestoga River ecosystem – an environment that is highly threatened by urban runoff and water pollution. I hope that by providing a perspective on a direct source of water, that is, the storm drain, I can provide environmental education and a reminder to the public about their efforts to keep our waterways clean,” Canoles said in an email.
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With one sculpture in front of the Museum of the North and the other in front of the Art of the West, organizers say they hope to turn the corner of Buchanan and College streets into a place of learning. which is outside connected to nearby Buchanan Park.
Two Love Your Block grants from the City of Lancaster Office of Neighborhood Engagement provided $1,500 to support Saturday’s event through the River Connections program.
“Art has always been, and always will be, an educational tool that breaks down universal barriers,” said Canoles. “The River Connections program does something very special by using art, poetry, film and music to spread environmental awareness. Their goal of using environmental awareness and art to create a strong sense of community is directly in line with my artistic goals, which is why I am honored and privileged to be part of this project. “
The River Connections public art program launched in 2022 and has supported a variety of riverside art projects in the city of Lancaster. The city’s website describes the purpose of the program as “to promote the stories of the connection of Black and Brown people to the Conestoga River.”
Building an outdoor classroom
The ultimate goal for College Park CAN is to create a public outdoor classroom with signage and seating near the Lancaster Compost Co-Op park. The sign will connect five educational sites nearby: storm drains, a rain garden, a native plant garden, a forest plot and a composting cooperative.
“We’re trying to capture all the features that are already there but connect them with signage and a digital informational network map,” said College Park CAN organizer Melissa Snavely.
College Park CAN, operating under the umbrella of local nonprofit RegenAll, applied for a grant from Lancaster Clean Water Partners to create and install bilingual signs, build a shelter and develop online resources.
“We’re waiting to see how our grant application is received, and we’re hoping for good news there,” Snavely said, adding that he envisions the outdoor learning space as a resource for students. those close to the population who have an interest in conservation.
Lancaster Clean Water Partners grants will be announced in September. College Park CAN aims to complete the outdoor learning space next spring, with the goal of launching it during Water Week.
“Our mission is to spark curiosity through art and science and thereby inspire individual and community action to protect our planet,” Snavely said.
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