Artists hope to inspire people to rehabilitate waterways

UPDATED, Sept. 30: "Confluence," a new public-art installation by Arlington artists Laurie Bogdan and Kimberley Harding, is on display at Spy Pond Park near the playground through Oct. 31.

The artists shared a children’s activity regarding waterway health during Spy Pond Fun Day on Saturday, Sept. 25, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This piece is made from rope that is finger woven in the “sprang” method. It shows a river system woven into the sprang made entirely from reused plastic bags that have been fused together. The artists were inspired by the history of the Assabet, Sudbury, and Concord rivers. The extremities of "Confluence" depict the environmental pollution in rivers from the textile industry, mercury build up, and the excess silt and algae bloom caused by climate change.

"Confluence,"is meant to motivate viewers to continue working on rehabilitating this river system and other waterways in Massachusetts. This installation is funded in part by the Grants Committee of ACAC, a local agency which is supported by the Mass. Cultural Council. 

This news announcement was published Sunday, Sept 19, 2021, and updated Sept. 30.