University Of Alabama: Shining Light On The Water

Tuscaloosa AL

18 May, 2022

9:33 AM

Description

Press release from the University of Alabama: May 17, 2022 The first-ever Riverwalk Lantern Parade gives participants a chance to see the Black Warrior River in a new way, one that they help create. Flow Tuscaloosa recognizes the successful restoration of nearby Hurricane Creek as inspiration to protect the Black Warrior River watershed and spotlight environmental justice efforts in West Alabama. The project, which received a National Endowment for the Arts grant, nurtures local commitment to environmental stewardship in several ways, including the arts-based lantern-making workshops, a curated exhibit and the lantern parade. In June, a two-part art installation will open at the Paul R. Jones Museum and the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center, featuring works inspired and informed by the research of Brock and her students. At the end of the route, parade-goers can cross Jack Warner Parkway to the Mildred Westervelt Warner Transportation Museum. There, they can hang their lanterns and enjoy An Evening at the Pool. The free event offers music, food trucks, and an after-hours look at the Swimming Together exhibit, curated in collaboration with Hannah Palmer, Atlanta-based artist and urban designer. A light installation by Lyndell McDonald, assistant professor and technical supervisor in the department of theatre and dance, will use color to bring the pool area, fountain and bleachers to life. Environmental groups such as the Black Warrior Riverkeeper and Friends of Hurricane Creek will have information tables. Grimes and Brock hope that after seeing the river in a new way through the parade, participants will be motivated to protect the watershed. "My work has often tried to get people to pay attention to patterns in nature. When we see a beautiful sunset, we're built to notice the contrast, but we tune out what is just as beautiful, like one cloud in the sky. Pay attention to what's beautiful all the time. "If we pay attention to the beauty of our waterways, we will care about them," Grimes said. This press release was produced by the University of Alabama. The views expressed here are the author's own.