By Krystle J. Bailey
The Atlantic City Arts Foundation was chosen by the State of New Jersey as one of four community-based organizations to participate in an Art Grant Program focused on bringing awareness to coastal hazard impacts.
ACAF, host of the annual 48 Blocks Arts Celebration, has gained a great deal of notoriety since its inception in 2015. This week, ACAF in partnership with art educators, Rebecca Shultz and Nancy Agati, completed a state-level project for a meaningful cause.
In 2020, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Coastal Management Program (CMP) was awarded a grant that would fund community-based art installations intended to raise awareness about coastal hazard impacts. In partnership with the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, the rigorous application process began last year, culminating in an educational art installation at the foot of the Absecon Lighthouse completed on August 13th.
The “Water Table” installation, funded through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), was one of four projects throughout the state of New Jersey chosen to participate in the NJ Coastal Resiliency Art Program.
The purpose of the program, as explained by the State of NJ, is “to engage communities in new ways, to increase their awareness and understanding of flooding risks in the coastal zone, and introduce other risk communication tools being produced by the CMP.”
“Water Table” can be found at the base of the Absecon Lighthouse in Atlantic City and viewed from various points from the lighthouse stairs. The landscaped mosaic is made of permeable surfaces including sea glass, crushed brick, shells, sand, stone, woodchips, and gravel. These permeable materials allow for water absorption in a way that concrete or asphalt cannot. Landscaping materials with a porous nature such as these have the power to mitigate coastal flooding.
Artists Rebecca Shultz and Nancy Agati conceptualized the “Water Table” installation as a means for viewers to contrast water absorption as rainwater or tidal surges run through the piece. The mosaic was created with the help of community members who submitted designs that could be incorporated into the piece as well as materials that were used to bring it to life. Members of the community were invited to lend helping hands as the mosaic was installed. From raking up sand to adding in plants and sea glass, members of the Atlantic City community were integral in seeing “Water Table” through to fruition. The Special Improvements Division of the CRDA aided in digging the perfectly sized hole for the installation.
While viewers are invited to visit the “Water Table” installation anytime during Absecon Lighthouse hours, educational demonstrations are planned for the future as well. The first demonstration is scheduled for this Sunday, August 22nd as a part of the 48 Blocks Arts Celebration series.
“Abby,” as the Absecon Lighthouse is affectionately nicknamed, will be bustling this Sunday starting with the Live Well AC Farmers Market beginning at 9am. The 48 Blocks AC Absecon Lighthouse event will overlap, beginning at 11am.
The day will include visual demonstrations by Shutlz and Agati, live music, hands-on t-shirt design, art exhibits and more.
Jean Muchanic and the entire Absecon Lighthouse team have been gracious hosts to this meaningful art installation, recent farmer’s markets, healing seminars and more. The Absecon Lighthouse has served as a homebase for community healing in infinite ways.
Join the Atlantic City Arts Foundation this Sunday for a memorable day of art and education or learn more about “Water Table” at www.atlanticcityartsfoundation.org/water.
