ATHABASCA — Water, one of our most precious resources is being celebrated by a photo exhibit featuring local photographers of all skill levels this weekend.
This exhibit is a spin-off project from the One Book, One Community – Athabasca event where over 100 people in the community have read the book Watershed by Doreen Vanderstoop thereby raising awareness of water in the province and its future which has been a wonderful learning and growing experience explained local painter Sherry Richardson who organized the event with graphic artist Jovi Klak.
“These photo images capture the unique qualities of water,” she said Nov. 14. “For example: the way it falls from the sky; catches the light; sustains or threatens plant, animal, and human life; how it moves through the land; how it changes form. Over 70 images will be displayed, and most will be for sale.”
Being held at the Athabasca Train Station on Nov. 19 from 10 am to 7 p.m. and Nov. 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 pm, contributions to the exhibit also include handwritten comments from students at Whispering Hills Primary School (WHPS) on water conservation and protection and how they can make a difference.
“We have these raindrops shaped pieces of paper with school children from WHPS have provided their comments on water conservation and protection; how they can make a difference in their own lives,” said Richardson. “These little kids are making these really good suggestions like ‘When I'm brushing my teeth, don't let the water run, turn it off until you're finished.”
A condensed version of the video Sacred Relationship a video describing the relationship between Indigenous people and the water will also be playing on loop.
“The idea is if everybody makes small changes in their day-to-day life in how we use water in our homes, little drops make a river, it can make a big impact if everybody's doing it,” said Richardson.
The event will follow the one-third capacity COVID protocol so only 15 visitors will be allowed in at a time and you must be masked, but no proof of vaccination is required. Parking is available in the back but attendees must enter the through the middle door on the street side of the building and exit at the west door.
“It's not about how great photos are, it's about what the photos are saying to make you think about water and how precious it is and how we need to start thinking about protecting our waterways,” she said.
If you want to buy a piece, you will be provided with the photographers' contact information and must arrange immediate payment and delivery for after the show closes.
