Long Water Land is a free community education and art-making series along the Quinnipiac River hosted by the Ely Center of Contemporary Art, New Haven Sketchers, and other partners.

SITE NO. 6: MARITIME COMMUNITY
Saturday July 27
11am–1pm
Quinnipiac River Park at Pierpont and Front St in New Haven
Street parking 

Aaron Goode of the New Haven Bioregional Group will discuss the Quinnipiac River Historic District, and the rise, fall, and restoration of the River's oyster fishery. Contemporary artist Nadine Nelson will discuss the social meaning and symbolism of oysters, and lead an additional art activity! Join as we learn and draw together.

After a brief talk we will explore each site and sketch, then share our drawings together as a group. No drawing experience necessary! We use sketching as a tool for observing, capturing, and reflecting on our surroundings. Some art supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring your own. Bring water and sun/weather/bug protection. We will be next to a river, after all!

Heavy rain will reschedule events; check back for info.

Join us for the unveiling of a mural created by our Summer Apprentices!

At the Ely Center, July 26, 5-7pm.

This summer, 11 New Haven public high school students learned the art of mural making, working with New Haven native, Boston-based painter/educator Destiny Palmer.

For three intensive weeks, the students worked together to build out their vision for a mural that reflects their own perspective of the city. Palmers’ murals have been commissioned for numerous sites around Boston.

The students hail from: Cooperative Arts and Humanities High School, Hamden High School, Educational Center for the Arts, Hillhouse High School, Highville Change Academy, Metropolitan Business Academy, O.H. Platt High School, New Haven Academy, Wilbur Cross High School, and Shelton High School. This year’s participants are from Coop: Soleil Nelson; from Hillhouse: David Coardes; from Highville: Alivia Patterson; from MBA: Adrian Gonzalez, Dezirae Pollard, Manny Pollard, and Elliana Hunte; from Platt: Solace Khuc; from NHA: Joey Esposito; from Wilbur Cross: River Ferrucci; and from Shelton: Merlin Shallow.

They were also mentored by recent School of the Museum of Fine Art alum painter Perla Mabel Ledesma.

“Every Piece is Part of the Whole” is a 40-foot banner that transforms the façade of the historic Ely Center of Contemporary Art with references to some of New Haven’s most iconic features.

The Banner will remain on view at the Ely Center through fall 2024.

Long Water Land is a free community education and art-making series along the Quinnipiac River hosted by the Ely Center of Contemporary Art, New Haven Sketchers, and other partners.

SITE NO. 5: RIVERSIDE HABITATS

Sunday July 21
1–3pm
Riverbound Farm Sanctuary
1881 Cheshire Street, Cheshire
Parking lot at Sanctuary

The woods and wetlands at Riverbound Farm are not to be missed! Eric Eichorn will talk about the preserve's history and wildlife, and his involvement with the Audubon Society.

After a brief talk we will explore each site and sketch, then share our drawings together as a group. No drawing experience necessary! We use sketching as a tool for observing, capturing, and reflecting on our surroundings. Some art supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring your own. Bring water and sun/weather/bug protection. We will be next to a river, after all!

Heavy rain will reschedule events; check back for info.

Long Water Land is a free community education and art-making series along the Quinnipiac River hosted by the Ely Center of Contemporary Art, New Haven Sketchers, and other partners.

SITE NO. 4: INDIGENOUS HISTORIES

Sunday July 14
12–2pm
Quinnipiac Meadows Eugene B. Fargeorge Preserve
1040 Quinnipiac Ave, New Haven
Parking lot at Preserve

Jim Powers from The Quinnipiac Dawnland Museum will discuss Indigenous history on the river, with a focus on the Meadows Preserve's Grannis Island archaeological site.

After a brief talk we will explore each site and sketch, then share our drawings together as a group. No drawing experience necessary! We use sketching as a tool for observing, capturing, and reflecting on our surroundings. Some art supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring your own. Bring water and sun/weather/bug protection. We will be next to a river, after all!

Heavy rain will reschedule events; check back for info.

Long Water Land is a free community education and art-making series along the Quinnipiac River hosted by the Ely Center of Contemporary Art, New Haven Sketchers, and other partners.

SITE NO. 3: WATER POWER

Sunday July 7
11am–1pm
Wallingford Dog Park
355 Quinnipiac St, Wallingford
Parking lots at dog park or in Silversmith Industrial Park

Water wheels once powered vast factories, including the Wallace complex, which we'll explore with Bob Beaumont from Wallingford Historical Society.

After a brief talk we will explore each site and sketch, then share our drawings together as a group. No drawing experience necessary! We use sketching as a tool for observing, capturing, and reflecting on our surroundings. Some art supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring your own. Bring water and sun/weather/bug protection. We will be next to a river, after all!

Heavy rain will reschedule events; check back for info.