Discovering the deltas

By Lyndall Mack

Faculty and students in the College of Arts & Science are collaborating on a travelling exhibit that will engage and educate people on the challenges faced by river deltas and nearby communities.

Susan Shantz (Art and Art History), Carla Orosz (Drama) and Iain Rose (Drama) were part of a team that created a multimedia art exhibit currently on a tour of five Canadian delta communities. The project is an extension of the Delta Days initiative in partnership with the School of Environment and Sustainability (SENS).

“[Susan’s] ideas, along with Carla and Iain’s, have helped make this an incredible partnership that displays the power of art and drama and how an interdisciplinary vision can be realized,” said Toddi Steelman, executive director of SENS.

The exhibit is a massive structure centered on three canoes suspended in the air. The canoes connect to form a triangle—the shape of a delta—surrounded by artwork, pictures, and videos.

Last April, at Delta Days, community members joined a discussion about the health and restoration of the deltas. Organizers proposed a travelling exhibit as a way of continuing the conversation. Shantz helped collect messages, ideas and artwork from people at Delta Days and incorporated them into the display.

“Having objects, structures and visual materials really animated the display and engaged the audience—[I] could see the excitement and interest of those attending,” said Shantz, who travelled to Cumberland House for the launch of the exhibit last week. “The display provides a strong focus to gather and articulate community concerns and interests.”

The exhibit was built in the college’s Emrys Jones Theatre by Orosz, Rose and their theatre design students.

“It is a piece that celebrates community and collaboration,” said Orosz. “Just like theatre, this display took team effort.”

Elements contributed by delta community members were integrated into the design, including its centerpiece: a dreamcatcher created by Michela Carriere, a Métis beadworker and College of Agriculture student from Cumberland House.

At each stop, visitors can add their voices to the display by attaching words and images that articulate their hopes and concerns about the deltas.

In a related project, Shantz is inviting students to connect art and science in a new course this spring titled Becoming Water. Students will have the opportunity to produce art inspired by water, engage in field trips and meet with water experts.

Lyndall Mack is a student intern in the College of Arts & Science communications & events office.

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