The Shorewood Waters Project, an initiative of the Shorewood Department of Public Works, will work with local artist Anna Coffaro to engage local artists to help create ideas for artistic projects focusing on the local waterways and environment. The Shorewood Art Fellows Project will work with many community stakeholders including the Shorewood Public Arts Committee, Shorewood Artist Guild and other groups to help guide the infusion of artistic expression into environmental education in Shorewood.
Since 2011, the Shorewood Waters Project has been creating engaging educational material, events, excursions, workshops and water lessons for teachers. Anna has followed the Project for years, and in 2023 she designed two coloring pages for the Kids Creative Zone at the Fish & Feather Festival. "Bridging the worlds of art and science is at the heart of what I love to do. Through the art projects that I'm designing with the Shorewood Waters Project, I hope to engage the community in fun opportunities to learn about our local environment and water stewardship," says Anna. "As an artist, it is such a gift to live and work in the Shorewood community." Coffaro proclaims. The Art Fellows Project will now add another dimension to Shorewood Waters with the infusion of inspiring art, creativity and color with Anna’s help.
Several art projects have been identified including designing community coloring murals for several events for adults and children to show their creativity; creating a storm drain art contest; coordinating sculpting projects with lake and river debris; creating coloring activities for kids and seniors; and coordinating a celebration of local art and artists at the 12th annual Shorewood Fish & Feather Festival on Saturday, October 5, 2024 in Hubbard Park.
Anna currently works in marketing and creative direction at BlackBear Boutique in Shorewood. You can see a collection of Anna’s work by clicking here. And read more about the SWP Art Fellow Program here.