ICYMI in the news this week, Art and Design Associate Professor Emily Newman and Studio Assistant Edward Kelley worked together for the Parts Per Million Collective (PPM) to create a public art installation titled “It’s in the Water.”

More than just a visual display, “It’s in the Water” is an 18×18-foot floating sculpture inspired by traditional barn quilt block designs and created using colorful salvaged plastic. The installation is buoyed at each corner with 5-gallon buckets containing algae. The algae helps to absorb nitrates from the water while simultaneously capturing atmospheric carbon.

The art piece is designed to raise awareness of water quality issues. The installation is viewable at Wilson’s Orchard & Farm at 3201 15th Ave., Cumming, Iowa, through September.

Thank you to Emily and Edward for sharing their innovative work—that combines artistic expression and environmental stewardship—with our local community!