For the City Times

A new art project is making a splash in Wisconsin’s Central Sands.

The Central Wisconsin Nature Foundation, in conjunction with a “Mother Earth Water Walk” planned for Sep. 17, has launched its Water Drop Environmental Art Project. Groups of people are given a 22’ x 4’ blue water drop, and asked to paint their feelings about water on it. The drop then goes on public display for everyone to admire, and hopefully, contemplate the importance of preserving and protecting our water.

There is no cost to anyone involved. A trickle of drops, has resulted in a deluge of requests to participate. At Adams County’s Ladies Night Out last November, Friends of the CWNF brought two drops for the ladies to paint.

Their outpouring of feelings, drawings, and little quotes was so enthusiastically received, that the group decided to plunge ahead; and take what was meant to be a one-time event, and expand it into a summer long celebration of water.

“People kept approaching us and asking if we would bring a drop to their club meeting,” said project coordinator, Patt Pisellini. “Teachers asked if we has a program available for local schools, and some individuals wanted to know if their own family could decorate a drop. Our answer to everyone is yes. The only rules we have are that the messages be positive, and be about water. New drops are being added all the time. Businesses can paint a drop, but we ask they not put advertising on it.”

The goal is to find a permanent display for the drops after the walk.

Anyone interested in participating in this art project can contact the CWNF. You can paint your own drop, or the CWNF ladies will bring a painting party, complete with paints, sharpies and stencils to your group meeting.

For further information, contact project coordinator, Patt Pisellini, at patt74@wctc.net or call 715-325- 1972.