By Artist Ashley Rivers- The Nature of Fire

I have been working on a project in collaboration with the non-profit, Oyster River Ecology, aiming to spread knowledge and awareness regarding the need of restoration and conservation of our environment and our oyster reefs, as well as how systemic inequities have shaped access to nature and why inclusive participation is critical to repairing the environment at large.

I will be creating a collection of Sculptures that explores the themes of ecology, restoration, and the human relationship with the natural world and the environment. The collection will be shown at multiple Gallery Spaces in the Tampa Bay Area, including the Tully Levine Gallery and the Brenda McMahon Art Gallery. The exhibition will be shown along-side a mini-documentary by local Artist, Dr. Hillary Van Dyke titled: “Diversifying Shoreline Conservation”, meant to inspire every day citizens to get more involved in local environmental projects. This project will allow each viewer a chance at self-reflection and individualized thought relating to the natural world and the impact of human activity on its condition- or nature’s impact on us.

In addition to the exhibition, I have also connected with Damon Moore of the non-profit: Oyster River Ecology, to facilitate Oyster Rag Pot (ORP) Community Creation events to go along with the Exhibition, where I will invite/involve volunteers in our community to come together to create artificial ORP's to assist with Oyster Reef restoration efforts.

I will be creating and donating ORP's myself that are inspired by my own artistic style, that will be shown during the exhibition, and then assist in the planting of them, plus the community led ORPs, into our waterways for documentation.