Solo Show
September 7 – October 11th, 2017
Reception:
Sunday September 10, 12-2 pm, 2017
Stetson Gallery, 28 Mugford Street, Marblehead
Ocean Reflecting Sky will feature paintings and drawings depicting how important seagrass habitats are not only for ocean life, but for the air we breathe as well. Boston EPA’s marine ecologist and seagrass expert Dr. Philip Colarusso will talk about current scientific research in seagrass conservation at the opening reception on Sep. 10th. Dr. Colarusso will give an overview of the Blue Carbon research conducted in the seagrass beds of Boston Harbor.
“Reflection” is an abstraction of an algae bloom, nitrates have seeped into the water and started merging into seagrass’ space. There is still enough light for photosynthesis but the clarity of water is shifting. Nature has an amazing way of dealing with pollution we dump into it, to an extent. Clean water is important not only for seagrass ecosystems that need light to survive but also us. When we pollute our rivers, estuaries and oceans we get algae blooms that block light. This results in loss of costal environments that feed and sustain many species of life, including us.
Dr. Philip Colarusso is marine ecologist and seagrass expert working for the EPA for over 28 years. His current research focuses on carbon sequestration by seagrasses, seagrass restoration and the impact of invasive species on seagrasses. He received his MS in Environmental Science from University of Massachusetts in Boston and his PhD from Northeastern University in Marine Biology. More can be found on his work here.
