Boston 2050: High Water exhibition opens at grove hall branch July 27

The High Water Collective’s exhibition Boston 2050: High Water opens on July 27 and runs through October 31 at the Grove Hall Branch of the Boston Public Library, focusing on the impact of predicted flooding in Boston neighborhoods. Artists selected for this exhibition are from Boston and around the globe, utilizing mixed media pieces, painting, sculpture, photography, installation work, and drawings to convey the dangers of flooding and higher waters, with the intent to initiate conversation within communities. An opening exhibition reception takes place on Thursday, August 6, from 5:30 -7:30 p.m. and features guest speakers civil rights activist Mimi Jones and spoken word poet Ant Thomas.

“It is essential to discuss the impact of environmental change not only in the Grove Hall neighborhood, but throughout all areas of Boston,” said Grove Hall Branch Librarian Paul Edwards. “The library is the perfect place to gather as one community to talk about where the future may lead us, and we are honored to host.”

The High Water Collective, comprised of artists and curators Stacey Cushner, Susan Emmerson and Jason Pramas, promote a higher visibility of global warming, the rise in sea levels, and its community impact. Boston 2050: High Water was fueled after the Boston Harbor Association’s release of “Preparing for The Rising Tide” report, which found that Boston is vulnerable to super storms like Hurricane Sandy, and, if hit, could bring sea levels to two feet by 2050 and up to six feet by 2100. Increase in sea levels combined with extreme weather events, more of which Boston is experiencing locally, will result in vast flooding and higher waters.

“Bringing this exhibition to the Grove Hall Branch can inspire as well as educate those in the area to become more prepared and to talk about what can happen; knowledge is everything," said curator Stacey Cushner.

About BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY 
Boston Public Library has a Central Library, twenty-four branches, map center, business library, and a website filled with digital content and services. Established in 1848, the Boston Public Library has pioneered public library service in America. It was the first large free municipal library in the United States, the first public library to lend books, the first to have a branch library, and the first to have a children’s room. Each year, the Boston Public Library hosts thousands of programs and serves millions of people. All of its programs and exhibitions are free and open to the public. At the Boston Public Library, books are just the beginning. To learn more, visit bpl.org.