Submitted by The LOTT Clean Water Alliance
The LOTT Clean Water Alliance partnered with artist Carrie Ziegler of Earth Art to create an engaging and educational art piece about water for the WET Science Center. Ziegler teamed up with LOTT and more than 1,200 Thurston County students and adults to create the new piece titled “One Water – The Infinite Journey” that will debut as part of Spring Arts Walk on April 22 at LOTT’s WET Science Center. The result of this project is not just an art installation; it is a story of water.
In March and April 2016, Ziegler worked with local 6th-12th grade students and adults to focus on water conservation and appreciation for clean water. Ziegler made over 45 presentations and work sessions to students and community members discussing water’s cycle through our communities and the environment and the importance of protecting and conserving water.
Participants created embossed aluminum water drops and fish after Ziegler’s presentation reflecting on what they learned. Ziegler incorporated these individual pieces into a suspended art installation to hang in the front windows of the WET Science Center. The full piece depicts an infinity symbol, showing the continuous cycle of water from our urban environment to Puget Sound.
The unveiling will coincide with Earth Day and Olympia Spring Arts Walk on Friday April 22 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at LOTT’s WET Science Center with refreshments, live music, and the chance to talk with Ziegler and WET Center staff. All are welcome to see the installation and enjoy the reception.
The WET Science Center at the LOTT Clean Water Alliance’s Regional Services Center in downtown Olympia educates the public about the urban water cycle, water conservation, and wastewater treatment. As part of its community education program, LOTT partnered with Ziegler to create an inviting and educational art piece.
Ziegler uses art to educate by engaging the community to create pieces for large-scale art projects. Her 2013 Plastic Whale Project featured a life-sized gray whale made entirely of plastic bags and other plastic waste to raise awareness about the impact of plastic bags on the environment. Another one of her community projects titled Rise Above Plastics: The Butterfly Effect used student created butterflies, made out of plastic trash, to create a unique installation for the Washington Center for Performance Arts.
About LOTT Clean Water Alliance’s WET Science Center
The WET Science Center is a free, family-friendly destination owned and operated by the LOTT Clean Water Alliance, a non-profit corporation responsible for wastewater management services for the urban area of north Thurston County, Washington. Its services include wastewater treatment, reclaimed water production, and long-range planning. “LOTT” stands for its four government partners – the cities of Lacey, Olympia, and Tumwater, and Thurston County.
