River Oyster Project

​— ARTIST GRANTEE, BERWICK ARTS ASSOCIATION
Courtney McCabe and I wanted to support and shape Berwick's river-town identity through art with the support of Berwick Arts Association. Months of planing and design led to a seamless mural production and an educational Instagram page. The River Oyster Project was a community outreach program as much as a beautiful graphic addition to the town. 

Travelers and vistors can view The River Oyster Mural on Route 93, north bound. As locals cross the bridge into Berwick Pennsylvannia, they are greeted by an artwork that pays homage to the migratory fish of the Susquehanna River. A winding, muddy river that spans a 444 mile stretch from New York to the Chesapeake Bay.

Mural Production

This was more than an artwork, and the grant funding was limited. This fish tank included project planning, budgeting, print and digital design, communications, branding, and installation. 

Inspired by print techniques, this flat, graphic artwork met the economic production costs through a reduced color palette. The artwork began with sketches, which were then digitalized, and later projected onto the wall from mobile devices. This was approachable for volunteers regardless of their artistic level, and combined handwork and human artistry with digital production. More importantly, it was fast.

Omnichannel FOR THE ARTS

Community engagement with the mural message was at the center of the River Oyster Project. We created an omnichannel approach with the the Berwick Arts Association, a partnership that grew and expanded our reach locally through digital means.

The River Oyster project had a landing page for Paint by Day, Paint by Night, an event registration form that sent automatic confirmations and could be used for the client‘s e-mail marketing. Digital content related to the mural theme, creative process, and installation ran over Facebook and Instagram to foster community growth and participation of painting days. Fourteen volunteers helped us complete the mural in 14 days, and a diverse crowd came out to celebrate life underwater at the Finissage. ​

research

From Berlin to Berwick
​We researched the town via Google Maps to find the best place for a mural like this. With the Berwick Arts Association's help, we received the approval of the "Nationwide River Wall", next to the Susquehanna. The location grabbed attention from the bridge to welcome visitors and connected the walkways between artworks.
Since going to the river was not possible, I went to the Museum of Natural Sciences in Berlin, and dove into the world of Ernst Haeckel before visiting the aquarium.
Interviews
​Expert interviews gave us insights on what imagery had meaning for the area. We spoke to Susquehanna Greenway and biology professors to understand local attractions and general enthusiasm of the river. We also learned about the real risks facing rural areas and water protection.
Community Feedback
​We gathered with the community at Anomaly Craft Brewing. Artists, locals, and supporters played river games and watched raw, uncut footage of the mural process. They had a round of drinks, listened to live music, and shared memories of the river to inspire more artwork in Berwick. ​

Learnings

Imagination Over Accuracy
Ernst Haeckel was celebrated and inspired an entire generation to look more closely at the natural world around them. His work is not renowned for accuracy, but imagination. If we want to build empathy with the river, we need to remind people of its beauty and wonder.
Activity Trumps Time
​While efforts have be made to connect broken pathways along the Susquehanna, funding and local enthusiasm still struggle. Many residents cannot remember exactly when they last went to the river, but they do remember the activity.
Memories Run Deep
​The Susquehanna carries positive emotional ties with residents. Locals recall economical benefits and shared loving memories of family and friends when asked about the river. ​

coming in Waves

In 2024, the project‘s success progressed to a further collaborative project on a colorzine concept. The idea is to expand the River Oyster Mural into new forms of digital storytelling in environmental education, so that knowledge about the Susquhanna is accessible for educators, parents, and after school programs.