Mason Exhibitions has partnered with the DC Department of Energy and Environment (DC DOEE) and City as Living Laboratory (CALL) to raise awareness about flooding in the Anacostia neighborhoods of Oxon Run and Watts Branch.
Join artists Cary Michael Robinson and Nicole Salimbene, along with environmental scientists and community organizers, for a day of walking, talking, and making along Watts Branch & Oxon Run streams and neighborhoods. This event is an invitation to honor the power of water through creative expression, and to learn more about flood risks and mitigation programs/actions to protect the community and the surrounding waterways in Ward 7 and Ward 8.
**Please note, this is a two part event. When registering, please indicate if you are interested in joining part 1, 2, or both**
Date: Saturday, June 24th, 2023 (Rain date: Sunday, June 25th)
Part 1: 11am-1pm // Rising Waters: Talk, Walk & Weave
Meeting Point: 4801 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave NE, Watts Branch
We will start the walk in the Watts Branch neighborhood to gain an understanding of houses within the floodplain and end the walk in Marvin Gaye Park where the Watts Branch Creek runs. Participants will be invited to share stories and observations of nature, the neighborhoods, equity and environmental justice. Scientists and organizers will share information about flood risk management and flood mitigation programs currently available for residents. The artists will weave together imagery and stories to visualize these issues for greater awareness and lead the group in a collective art action.
Part 2: 2pm-4pm // Cooling Waters: Gather, Reflect & Rest
Meeting Point: James E. Bunn Amphitheater, Oxon Run Park
We will meet in Oxon Run Park to focus on the relational, reflective and restful aspects of gathering together in nature, as we continue to share and integrate what we are learning about flooding in the area. Artists, scientists and community organizers will create a collaborative action with the group that holds space for honoring the power of water.
Walk Leaders:
Dr. Alsean Bryant, Strategic Support Team Clinical Pharmacist at the AIDS Healthcare Foundation for the DC, MD, and VA region
Dr. Travis Gallo, Assistant Professor in Urban Ecology and Conservation in the Department of Environmental Science and Technology at the University of Maryland
Brenda Richardson, Coordinator for the Anacostia Parks & Community Collaborative (APACC) & Vice-Chair of the Friends of Oxon Run Park
Cary Michael Robinson, Interdisciplinary and Mixed Media Artist
Nicole Salimbene, Interdisciplinary Artist
Dr. Jennifer Sklarew, Assistant Professor, Energy and Sustainability Policy, Food-Energy-Water-Climate Nexus, Social Science, George Mason University