A shared recognition of the importance of protecting the environment has resulted in an innovative initiative that is cleaning local waterways.
The Sea to Sky Arts Council Alliance has partnered with Divers for Cleaner Lakes and Oceans, Return-It and local artists to take the next step in the creation of the Lower Mainland’s first-ever travelling environmental art campaign, Diving In: The Art of Cleaning Lakes and Oceans.
“Our mission is to clean up the lakes and oceans in the Lower Mainland and to work with local artists to turn the objects into beautiful pieces of art – giving the waste a second life,” said Amy Liebenberg, Project Manager, Diving In: The Art of Cleaning Lakes and Oceans.
“We hope that the artwork made through this project educates and gives us all an impactful reminder about the importance of recycling responsibly and reducing waste.”
Eleven artists from North Vancouver to Pemberton have been selected to represent their local arts councils and turn the trash collected by volunteer divers into treasured art pieces.
Trash to Treasure: Artist Materials Unveiling took place on December 11in Squamish.
Over the next few months, the artists will get creative with the objects removed from local waterways and turn it into unique pieces of art, and the art work will tour galleries from North Vancouver to Pemberton.
“Our waterways are precious, and every pollutant that goes into our water has the potential to cause problems,” said Henry Wang, Founder of Divers for Cleaner Lakes and Oceans.
“Since 2013, we have completed over 150 cleanup dives, removing nearly 40,000 pounds of trash from our oceans and lakes.”
Squamish Mayor Karen Elliot said the importance of helping local waterways stay as clean and pristine as possible cannot be understated.
“We are pleased to be part of this event and congratulate Divers for Cleaner Lakes and Oceans, Return-It, and the Sea to Sky Arts Council Alliance, for turning a wonderful concept into a reality.”
