LOTS OF FISH
Eco-art makes a splash for New Haven waterways
Photos by Ian Christmann
“It’s incredible how a little bit of art can change a space,” a passerby observed of the empty lot between two abandoned buildings on Grand Avenue. Once bland and crumbling concrete walls now burst with colorful murals of sea-swirls, waves, fish and aquatic creatures — and eclectic art installations fill the parcel with intrigue.
The transformation was accomplished by a summer-long environmental program called Lots of Fish, aptly named for the creature featured most often throughout the art. The multi-faceted program was the vision of JoAnn Moran, founder of Art25, and made possible by a grant from the Quinnipiac River Fund.
JoAnn’s aim was to engage youth and community members in art and impact projects that encourage thought and care for the Quinnipiac and New Haven’s other waterways.
Her mission took many forms, most of which involved brushes and bright paints. Working with teens from Youth At Work, and community volunteers of all ages, Lots of Fish used color to make a scene.
Street banners from City festivals and events were re-purposed with witty and thought-provoking environmental themes. A banner advertising a midsummer night’s dream became midsummer night’s fish, and poised the question “Do Fish Sleep?”
Storm Drains were adorned with sea creatures and reminders that “all water leads to the sea” to raise citizen awareness of the direct connection between rainwater runoff and the health of our waterways.
Tires, boots and other refuse collected from Quinnipiac’s banks and other dumping sites turned into sculptures and installation art. For volunteer Ricky, an abandoned boat became a canvas to stretch his creativity.
“I wanted to be a part of this so bad,” he described seeing the activity in the lot early in the summer. Though he had often passed by the area, joining Lots of Fish inspired him to consider the river in a new light. “I feel like people should utilize [the Quinnipiac] rather than destroy it with litter.”
Of all the projects created by Lots of Fish, one of the most popular and practical were one-of-a-kind rain barrels, featuring art hand-painted by children and community members. The barrels were given for free, and in high demand. Attached to a gutter’s downspout, rain barrels catch and store rainwater that can be later used to water gardens or potted plants, wash windows or even the car, thus reducing city water consumption.
“It’s amazing how many people want rain barrels now. How would that be exciting any other way,” JoAnn expressed.
On August 1, Lots of Fish showcased their eclectic creations with an Eco-Art festival in the lot they had transformed. The event featured live music, organic produce, art, and lots of creatively-named kids games, such as “yes, we can strike out litter” bowling and pin the fin on the fish.
Building on the success of the summer program and the state-mandated sustainability goals it fulfills, Lots Of Fish is launching Run-off Art, a storm water impact and education program for New Haven’s schools. This city-wide model will engage schools, community groups, artists and even musicians who will write ballads and songs dedicated to storm drains and rain barrels!
“But it’s not all songs and paint” Jo Ann explains that the initiative will undertake mapping the watershed storm drains neighborhood by neighborhood.
So when you see the bright art on storm drains, take notice, and remember, we’re all connected, especially by our waterways.
For more information on Lots of Fish, and continued opportunities for creative involvement, visit: https://lotsoffish.info.
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