New Exhibit at the Airdrie Public Library

Library Link: Our wetlands celebrated in new art exhibit at Airdrie library
CityView, Nov 16, 2011 05:13 pm  |   Veronica Funk

Airdrie Public Library (APL) is pleased to welcome a new art exhibit, running to Jan. 2.

Airdrie Regional ARTS Society proposed the idea of the Watersheds & Wetlands exhibit to raise awareness of the value of our water resources and riparian areas in Rocky View. Artists were invited to draw inspiration from local wetlands and watersheds, then create work based on their reaction. With help from Rocky View County, Nose Creek Watershed Partnership and Cows and Fish, an ‘open air’ painting day was held to let people experience a local riparian area. Biologists were on hand to hold informational talks and conduct field trips. The exhibit features 72 pieces of artwork created by 22 different artists ranging from sculptors to photographers.

Our wetlands are becoming a valuable resource that is dwindling. Within watersheds and ecosystems, human activities can cause depletion or pollution. The watershed and its ecosystems sustain our way of life and wetlands are important elements of a watershed because they serve as the link between land and water resources. A familiarity with the functions and values of an ecosystem such as a wetland can improve decision-making today and protect values that may be held by future generations as well.

This exhibit seeks to draw attention to this valuable water supply, which we use for recreation and also sustains plant material, fish and wildlife.

In conjunction with the Wetlands & Watersheds exhibit, local jewelry designer Alicia Laurin is exhibiting her latest body of work. Laurin has been making jewelry since 1999. While being a self-taught jewelry artist, her life experiences, research and experimentation with different mediums are what led to Laurin evolving into the artist she is today. She loves abstract, fun colours, textures and asymmetrical designs, which really come through in her work.  She creates all one-of-a-kind pieces as unique as the people who wear them and loves that other women can express their own creativity through her designs.
For more information on Laurin, visit www.beadedbliss.webs.com