Community Art
Impacting communities through mixed-media art
Purpose
Everyone needs clean water. In fact it is becoming the world’s most precious resource. Why do I focus on forever chemicals? PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contaminants pose significant environmental and health risks. PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily in the environment, leading to persistent contamination of water, soil, and even food. These chemicals have been linked to serious health problems, including cancer, liver damage, immune system dysfunction, and developmental issues in children. Given their widespread use in consumer products and industrial applications, addressing PFAS contamination is critical to protecting public health and our water.
Let’s have some fun, and enjoy learning, while we create something beautiful!
Contaminants
It’s difficult to give an exact figure on how much of the world’s freshwater supply is contaminated, but a significant portion is affected by various pollutants, including chemicals, plastics, and pathogens. According to the United Nations, about **80% of the world’s wastewater** is discharged back into ecosystems without being treated, which contributes to contamination. PFAS, microplastics, agricultural runoff (like pesticides and fertilizers), and industrial waste, including forever chemicals, are major contributors.
PFAS are found in drinking water systems affecting **hundreds of millions of people worldwide**, particularly in industrialized nations. The **World Health Organization (WHO)** also estimates that unsafe water contributes to **over 1.2 million deaths annually**, highlighting how pervasive and serious water contamination issues are.
Ultimately, while the scale varies by region, contamination is a global issue that affects a large percentage of the available freshwater, particularly in areas where regulations and water treatment are inadequate. Learn More
Approach
I’m excited to share and promote some awesome community projects that bring people of all ages together to make a difference! Our goal is to use creativity to drive sustainable action and help protect our planet. We truly believe that by working together, we can keep our world a great place to live.
Our projects are all about learning and having fun! We’re inviting people from 10 to 100 to join us in exploring the impact of PFAS chemicals in our environment and how to stay safe from them. Plus, you’ll get to express your creativity through mosaic art. It’s a fantastic way to learn, create, and make a positive impact on our planet. We hope to see you there!
Projects
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Why Flint?
Flint, Michigan
The Flint water crisis made headlines across the globe, sparking outrage that a city in the United States allowed its water supply to become so contaminated with lead. How could something like this happen, leaving residents exposed to such dangerous toxins? While there’s no easy answer, we’re now faced with another challenge: exposure to PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” which can persist in the environment and our bodies for years.
Before history repeats itself, I wanted to share how small, simple actions can help reduce exposure to these harmful chemicals. Plus, we can even have some fun along the way by making art and learning more about PFAS together!
What’s Next?
Let’s spread the word, or in this case, ART with gorilla mosaics! I’ll be inviting community members to create a single mosaic drop of water and find a location to place it where it will remind everyone how critical clean water is to all of us. Watch for the date in late October- a real treat!
Sign Up
Want to get involved? Sign up for a community project!