Long Water Land
Join us for a community sketching series celebrating the Quinnipiac River.
Long Water Land is a free community education and art-making series along the Quinnipiac River hosted by the Ely Center of Contemporary Art, New Haven Sketchers, and other partners in Summer 2024. Collaborating groups will provide introductions to each site from historical, cultural, and/or ecological perspectives. The project will focus on building community, and observing, interacting with, and reflecting on our shared landscape through art-making. The series will be commemorated with an anthology of sketches and an accompanying exhibition.
Quinnipiac is roughly translated to “long water land,” a name given by Indigenous peoples who lived along the river long before European settlement. Later, the river became intrinsically tied to the history of New Haven and many other towns in its watershed.
After a brief talk we will explore each site and sketch, then share our drawings together as a group. No drawing experience necessary! We use sketching as a tool for observing, capturing, and reflecting on our surroundings. Some art supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring your own. Bring water and sun/weather/bug protection. We will be next to a river, after all!
Heavy rain will reschedule events; check back for info.
ECOCA’s Environmental Leadership for Artists programs are supported by the City of New Haven’s Creative Sector Relief Fund.
Printable schedule
Need a ride or can offer one? Sign up here
Schedule
SITE NO. 1: OASIS, ABANDONED
Saturday June 15
3–5pm
Quinnipiac River State Park
10 Banton St, North Haven
Street parking at park entrance
Check out an incredible floodplain forest and site of a former neighborhood, now evacuated due to increased flooding. River Advocates of South Central CT’s Mary Mushinsky will tell the story.
SITE NO. 2: FORM & FUNCTION
Saturday June 29
11am–1pm
Trumbull Park Kiosk
Linsley Dr, Plainville
Parking lots on Linsley Drive
River restoration expert Paul Woodworth of Save the Sound will describe basic principles and patterns of river formation in this shallow section near the top of the Quinnipiac watershed. Wear your muckin' boots or water shoes (optional)!
SITE NO. 3: WATER POWER
Sunday July 7
11am–1pm
Wallingford Dog Park
355 Quinnipiac St, Wallingford
Parking lots at dog park or in Silversmith Industrial Park
Water wheels once powered vast factories, including the Wallace complex, which we'll explore with Bob Beaumont from Wallingford Historical Society.
SITE NO. 4: INDIGENOUS HISTORIES
Sunday July 14
12–2pm
Quinnipiac Meadows Eugene B. Fargeorge Preserve
1040 Quinnipiac Ave, New Haven
Parking lot at Preserve
Jim Powers from The Quinnipiac Dawnland Museum will discuss Indigenous history on the river, with a focus on the Meadows Preserve's Grannis Island archaeological site.
SITE NO. 5: RIVERSIDE HABITATS
Sunday July 21
1–3pm
Riverbound Farm Sanctuary
1881 Cheshire Street, Cheshire
Parking lot at Sanctuary
The woods and wetlands at Riverbound Farm are not to be missed! Eric Eichorn will talk about the preserve's history and wildlife, and his involvement with the Audubon Society.
SITE NO. 6: MARITIME COMMUNITY
Saturday July 27
11am–1pm
Quinnipiac River Park at Pierpont and Front St
Street parking
Aaron Goode of the New Haven Bioregional Group will discuss the Quinnipiac River Historic District, and the rise, fall, and restoration of the River's oyster fishery. Contemporary artist Nadine Nelson will discuss the social meaning and symbolism of oysters, and lead an additional art activity! Join as we learn and draw together.