To mark the opening of a new exhibit, the Thames Art Gallery is running a river cleanup in Chatham on Saturday.
Coinciding with the opening of the GardenShip and State exhibit, the cleanup is set for 10:30 a.m. at Thames Grove.
Following that, there will be a celebration at the gallery starting at 1 p.m.
GardenShip and State, co-curated by Patrick Mahon and Jeff Thomas, brings together 21 artists and writers who engage in decolonial critique, environmental activism, and 21st century artistic practices. The exhibition addresses what is arguably the problem of our times: environmental catastrophe. It asks how we can work and create together as a global community to restore the planet – while respecting differences, seeking to repair divisions, and address injustices brought about by colonialism.
This exhibit also features Troubled Critters & Healing Spells, a project by the local Hibernaculum Collective, which explores land and water decolonization, restoration, relationship, and reciprocity through traditional wild clay processes.
From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Thames Art Gallery, there will be a series of events including an artist talk featuring Mahon and Thomas, among other artists, and a live interactive performance by Chatham-Kent artist Natty Tremblay, a member of the Hibernaculum Collective.
There will be light refreshments to be enjoyed while socializing with the many featured artists in attendance.
The local river clean up is sponsored by the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority and will take place at the Thames Grove, 30 Kingsway Dr. from 10:30 a.m. to noon. This is a free, drop-in, family friendly event, and everyone is welcome.
Gloves, garbage bags, garbage pickers and snacks will be provided.
Please bring your kayak, canoe, paddle board, sunscreen, bug spray and fresh water. Anyone under the age of 16 on the water is required to wear a life jacket, which is not provided. If you don’t want to be on the river, you are welcome to clean up along the river edge.
GardenShip and State is on display until Oct. 20.
