Emory’s artist-in-residence, John Grade, is on campus for two weeks to design and build two new public sculptures centered around environmental issues.

Consistent with The Center for Creativity & the Art’s chosen theme of Water for this academic year, his project named Piedmont Divide aims to draw the public’s attention to water as a scarce natural resource through a temporary and non-invasive artistic intervention. Grade hopes to facilitate important conversations between science and art to bring environmental awareness to Emory and its surrounding communities.

Combined with Emory’s commitment to sustainability and strengths in science, health, social research and public health, the sculptures will visually and conceptually relate to Emory’s research on the West Nile Virus, and to world – wide water sustainability. The two – part sculptural installation aimed to link Lullwater to the Quadrangle will be composed solely of recycled and biodegradable materials, including over 20,000 re-purposed plastic water bottles.

Emory Visual Arts Gallery will transform in to a working studio during John Grade’s stay, and volunteers are needed every day through Sunday, November 19th to help assemble the two sculptures! Both Emory and Atlanta communities are encouraged to participate. Click here for more information and to register!

- Liz Speyer 14C, communications assistant, EAA