River cleanup debris to resurface in Fowler Library art exhibition

Tomorrow, Concordians will be turning trash into treasure. 

ArtScape, the Acton Free Public Library, and OARS are teaming up to give artists a hands-on way to find materials for their next creative projects — even if it means getting a little dirty.

On Saturday morning, volunteers will fan out along the confluence of the Assabet River and Nashoba Brook in West Acton for a river cleanup. Instead of tossing the refuse away, some of the bottles, cans, and scraps will be saved, destined for a new art show at Fowler Library.

“OARS has done cleanups for years in the rivers, but this is the first time we are teaming up with them to make art pieces,” Ann Sussman, director of ArtScape, told The Acton Bridge. “Other communities have done this, and we thought it would be really fun for Acton to join in.” 

OARS Executive Director Matt Brown said the West Acton cleanup is just one of many environmental efforts that OARS plans to spearhead tomorrow. 

“We’ve been doing our three river cleanups for, I think, almost as long as we’ve been around, and we’re turning 40 this year, so it’s a pretty big event,” he said. 

The team effort kicks off with West Acton’s River Cleanup on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. An October 1 workshop at Fowler Library, from 4 to 5:30 p.m., will give artists a chance to create on-site with the collected trash or their own discarded materials.

Submissions are due at ArtScape by October 5. All artists are welcome; unlike traditional gallery shows, there are no fees or commissions. The works will be on display at Fowler from October 8 to November 15. 

If anyone just wants to help collect litter, that’s welcome, too, Brown said. 

“It’s a fun day, especially if the weather cooperates, and it’s a good way to meet some people and to feel like you actually have accomplished something,” he said. “You’re going to leave the rivers, especially the sites where you’re at, in better shape.”

Visit OARS3rivers.org for more details.