Photo by Jimmy Chang
A traveling Smithsonian exhibition on the flow of water through life is stopping at the Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center at Palm Beach State College in Belle Glade through Feb. 26.
“Water/Ways” explores the water cycle and the effects of water on settlement, migration and the landscape. The exhibit demonstrates water’s effects beneath the surface and sheds light on the importance of protecting water resources and the natural environment.
Water resources are a central focus of South Florida. For example, Florida has emphasized preserving the Everglades the past 20 years after development depleted the ecosystem. The Everglades has served as a source of drinking water for many years, but human activity has threatened the Biscayne Aquifer, which supplies fresh water to much of South Florida.
Palms West Journal has highlighted a surge of manatee deaths caused by poor water quality. Polluted water sparks algae to grow, and algae kill the manatee food supply.
South Florida has designated protected water sources such as the Grassy Waters Preserve, alongside efforts to preserve the ecosystems of endangered wildlife.
Photo by Green Cay Nature Center
A beautiful shot of the Everglades at sunset.
According to materials from Museum on Main Street, which brings Smithsonian exhibits to towns across the country, water “affects how we interact with the environment around us, where we choose to live, and it is central to many festivals, prayers and offerings. Water amazes and inspires us as artists, poets and writers.”
“Water/Ways” is an extension of the Smithsonian’s Think Water Initiative, which brings attention to community and student interactions with rivers and other waterways.
Think Water is part of Museum on Main Street, which has brought Smithsonian exhibits to over 1,800 communities since 1994.
Through educational events, exhibitions and public programs, Think Water provokes conversation about water’s everyday impact. For more information, visit palmbeachstate.edu/theatre/dollyhand.
