The beauty of Lake Winnipeg, its wildlife, sky and shores, has inspired many artists and given decades of enjoyment to residents and visitors. The life of Manitoba’s great lake is now threatened, challenged by the results of human activity.
Interlake artist Gayle Halliwell joins Marlo Campbell, communications director for the Lake Winnipeg Foundation, for Lake Winnipeg: Clear & Present, an exploration of the lake through art and science.
A blend of art and action, Lake Winnipeg: Clear & Present is part of Facing Imedimenta, an art show at Cre8ery Gallery exploring what impedes the flow of action when answers are known.
At Studio 410 in Winnipeg Beach, Gayle Halliwell has lost herself in an exploration of the lake, sky, and landscapes that create the colourful canvas of the Interlake. Lake Winnipeg, however, is a lake in danger from nutrient loading.
Eutrophication, typically a natural phenomenon, is made deadly by an exponential increase caused by human actions. Halliwell wants people to see how the lake is threatened.
“I paint both the beauty and the tragedy,” says Halliwell, describing her work as giving voice to the silent cry for help from the lake.
“Being at the lake is a quintessential Manitoba experience,” explains Marlo Campbell.
“My presentation will explore why Lake Winnipeg is such a special place, why its health is struggling, and what we can do as citizens to be part of the solution. The Foundation is working to translate science into solutions for our shared waters.”
The discussion will take place surrounded by Halliwell’s lake-inspired art. Campbell’s presentation includes visuals with the latest in scientific data critical to the lake.
Lake Winnipeg: Clear & Present takes place Sun. Oct. 2 at 2 p.m. Cre8ery Gallery, 125 Adelaide St. (across from Canadian Footwear).