WVU graduate Fine Arts students Asha Cabaca and Lindsay McCarty created this art piece entitled Stained Waterways as their final project in their Art and Environment course under the guidance of Professor Michael Sherwin.
"This installation visualizes the effect of acid mine drainage on the local river systems in Morgantown. By dyeing and saturating found white fabric with silt and sediment from the Monongahela River and the Robinson Run, we created a visual representation of the impact these pollutants have on the natural ecosystem.” Asha and Lindsay wrote.
Asha and Lindsay met with WVWRI staff to learn about the 3RQ program and the types and degree of pollution in the Monongahela River and its tributaries to help shape their final project.
"The Monongahela is relatively healthy because it is such a large body of water, and the gray silt is composed of tannins and carbon from organic matter. On the other hand, the orange color of the Robinson Run is due to an excess of iron oxide and other heavy metals from acid mine drainage. The toxins from the Robinson Run are dispersed in the Monongahela River, and this process is visualized by this site-specific installation."
The students constructed the installation as a 3D physical representation of where the Monongahela River and Robinson Run meet. They included found trash, rocks, and sticks at the end of Robinson Run (i.e., its mouth) to depict the effects of the stream on the surrounding ecosystem. Additionally, the installation included river sediment on the floor, which allowed interaction between the art and its viewers through the viewer's shoeprints as they moved through the space.
"The installation fosters a contemplative atmosphere, allowing the viewer to notice and appreciate the subtle changes in color and hue of the stained fabric, while fostering awareness of the impact of human activity on our waterways."
The Stained Waterways installation was on exhibit at WVU's Canady Creative Arts Center on April 23rd, 2024. Thanks to the Colcom Foundation's support, the 3RQ Common Waters program will continue to support WVU students and local communities to uphold environmental sustainability and water research.