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From rubbish on the beach to stunning works of art, there are many waterway-themed submissions being collected by the Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership for their upcoming Submerged in Our Region exhibition.
Bringing together the environment, science and the arts, the exhibition will launch on 25 July as part of the Mackay Festival of Arts.
Healthy Rivers to Reef Executive Officer, Jaime Newborn, said she was excited to see the diversity of exhibits being received as part of their community art competition.
"We have entries from school groups who are really making that connection between art and STEM, which is fantastic to see,” Mrs Newborn said.
“We also have paintings, sculptures, underwater audio recordings, and film.
“Entries remain open until June 7, so we encourage anyone with an interest to contact us – whether you are entering as an individual, or a school or community group, there are categories for all ages and a $1,000 art bursary up for grabs.”
She said a waterway theme could reflect a wide variety of views and ideas.
“In the Mackay, Whitsunday, and Isaac region, we love our waterways. Whether you fish on the weekend, jog on the beach, or rely on our rivers and Reef to earn an income, waterways play a big part in our lives and our region’s liveability.”
One entry has homed in on the key issue of sustainability.
Environmental scientist and artist, Kerri Woodcock, has created a series of works using plastic marine debris and 'recycled rubbish' collected from local beaches, islands and coastlines.
“These works are as meaningful as they are beautiful – many thanks to our Partner, Eco Barge Clean Seas, for loaning them to our exhibition,” Mrs Newborn said.
Libby Edge, founder of Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc, is delighted to see these artworks travel for such a great cause.
“Kerri’s pieces are real eye-openers about marine debris,” Libby said.
“Having Kerri’s artwork displayed for our team of volunteers has been a true gift. Each piece, crafted from plastic trash found during Kerri’s beach walks, powerfully highlights the local and global impact of plastic pollution on our marine environment.”
Visit www.healthyriverstoreef.org.au for more or follow on Facebook.
Photo: Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership team members Rebekah Smith and Cinzia Cattaneo, with artworks by Kerri Woodcock (foreground) and Art of Thongs by David Day. Photo supplied
