October exhibit at Crossings focuses on water

We swim in it, boat on it, bathe in it, cry it, must consume it and, to a 60 percent degree, are it. In winter, we even walk on it.

Water is both elemental and functional — its energy captured to power cities and its power in waterfalls, oceans and floods, humbling.

Crossings asked photographers and writers to share what water means to them for October’s “It’s All One Water” exhibit.

More than 20 photographs and a similar number of written pieces in poetry and short prose will be on display through the month in the Zumbrota gallery.

A reception takes place Friday Oct. 19, with refreshments at Crossings. A reading, with a slideshow of the photographs, takes place next door at the Zumbrota State Theatre.

Participants were invited to explore whatever aspects of water fascinate them and create their own artistic expression of this most basic foundation for life. Photographers and writers from around the region share their work in this intriguing exhibit.

Justin Watkins of Rochester wrote in this excerpt of his poem, “Why the Trout are Here:”

Trout will not tolerate the lighthearted water of the upland

They will not stand for indecision and prolonged insufficiency

They need the steadiness of the gray-haired ancient water

It is an arranged marriage with limestone and bubbling springs

This exhibit will be held in collaboration with the Zumbro Watershed Partnership.

The partnership is dedicated to clean lakes, rivers, wetlands and groundwater.

The partnership will present two education programs at the Zumbrota Public Library to highlight the amazing animals that live in the Zumbro River, and to get children and families excited about taking simple steps to keep the Zumbro River clean and healthy.

ZWP will present “Zumbro Zoe’s Way Cool Water Show” for families with preschool children at 10:30 a.m. Friday Oct. 19. Zumbro Zoe is a 6-foot river otter and the kid-friendly mascot of the Zumbro Watershed Partnership.

It will present “Amazing Animals of the Zumbro Valley” for families with school-age children, Scout groups and other community clubs at 7 p.m. Monday Oct. 22.

The October exhibit may be viewed free of charge during regular hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Wednesday and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays and 10 a.m. 4 p.m. Saturdays. Crossings is located at 320 East Ave., Zumbrota. More information at www.crossingsatcarnegie.com.

Tags: arts and entertainment, lifestyle, arts, entertainment, zumbrota