MAC650 Gallery Celebrates World Water Day

On Friday, March 22, art meets science like never before at the MAC650 Gallery, when the “Passionate Waters” art show celebrates World Water Day with water-themed visual and performance art, presentations from state legislators and local environmental leaders, and community action initiatives.

Started in 1992 by the UN General Assembly, World Water Day is held annually on March 22 to advocate sustainable management of freshwater resources. While some 80 World Water Day events take place across six continents, “Passionate Waters” is the only registered event in Connecticut and just one of four on the East Coast. Show founder Carolyn Reeves, president of the North End Artist Cooperative (NEAC), wanted to find a way to use art to fulfill the mission of World Water Day.



“Art has the power to awaken in people an awareness of our most precious natural resource,” says Reeves. “We hope that art, created by local artists, will inspire people to be more mindful of our freshwater resources.”

The evening will take place at the MAC650 Gallery in the North End starting at 6:30 p.m. Appetizers, wine, and spring water will be served and a $10 donation is requested at the door. Hanging on the gallery walls will be water-themed art from local artists. State legislator Matthew Lesser (D Middletown) will give a talk on his recently introduced bill that will ban fracking and fracking wastewater in the state of CT, followed by dance, music, and poetry performances from Connecticut artists. Attendees will be able to sign local water-protection petitions and make pledges to adopt water-friendly behavior. The event will close with the presentation of a ceremony that honors the waters of the Earth.

“As Connecticut begins to face it’s own freshwater scarcity issues, the need to raise public awareness about water conservation is becoming increasingly important,” says Reeves. “The Connecticut River gives Middletown much of its identity, but it’s amazing how many people take it for granted. We want to change that.”

Proceeds of the event will benefit the construction of a water-awareness art installation in the neighborhood, says Reeves, fulfilling the NEAC’s pledge to foster art and cultural vibrancy in the North End. Reeves partnered with “Community Collaborations,” a student group at Wesleyan University in the planning and production of “Passionate Waters.” For more information or to make reservations, please call 860-490-5434. Seating is limited.