CRWA to Join Watertown’s Collaborative Public Art Initiative Promoting Environmental Stewardship
Amber Siegel, CRWA’s River Restoration Project Manager, has paired with Boston-based artist Sophy Tuttle to create a temporary, educational public artwork centered on locally relevant environmental topics, including edible plants, ecological resilience, and awareness. Supported in part by a Projects Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, the initiative—Edible Watertown—is a collaborative project with Watertown’s Public Arts & Culture Committee to explore the city’s local ecology.
The Edible Watertown project pairs artists with scientists to foster interdisciplinary collaboration. Other expert duos in the initiative include artist Jenn Houle working with scientist Patrick Fairbairn, artist Ira Klein collaborating with scientist Yi (Jenny) Wang, and artist Leah Craig partnering with scientist Nicole Weber. These pairs will combine their artistic and scientific expertise to engage the Watertown community in conversations about local ecosystems and environmental stewardship.
As a partner in the Edible Watertown project, CRWA is excited to collaborate on initiatives that highlight the importance of local flora and foster a deeper connection between Watertown residents and their natural environment. This project will provide an opportunity for the public to learn more about their local ecology and be inspired to take action in preserving and protecting it. Ultimately, Edible Watertown aims to serve as a catalyst for greater community engagement in environmental advocacy and sustainable practices.
Project Timeline:
November 2024 – February 2025: Project proposal development by expert pairings
February 24, 2025: Final project proposals presented to the Public Arts & Culture Committee
March 2025 – April 2026: Project implementation
Through this initiative, Edible Watertown seeks to weave together art, science, and community in a meaningful exploration of our environment’s natural resources—cultivating both awareness and action for a more resilient, sustainable future.
