Sculptures by local artists on display at the Waterosity exhibit in the Arboretum of Chaska, MN

Local artists contributed to Waterosity, an extensive exhibit with a water theme. Waterosity is this summer's exhibition on display until Oct. 4th, 2009 at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.

The sculptures are fascinating and worth the trek around the Arboretum. Make sure you have your walking shoes on, and plan for the visit to be at least a half day trip.

Visitors to Waterosity can call from their cell phones and listen to recorded messages from the artists.

Here are just two highlights of the sculptures in the exhibit. See the slide show below for more pictures and descriptions of art in the Waterosity exhibit.

For more information on other displays in Waterosity, see this article about the Educational Displays of Waterosity.

Local Artists Illustrate the Environmental Impact of Plastic from Bottled Water

Two landscape designers, Debra Ensteness and Sheila Hawthorne, with the help of elementary school students in Inver Grove Heights created a giant water bottle for visitors to walk through and learn about the impact of plastic manufacturing and waste from the bottled water industry.

This display features 6,000 empty bottles which represents the average yearly consumption of five families, each using one 24-pack per week.

This display is called "Take Back the Tap: Protect Our Environment."

The designers of the project want people to really understand the environmental impact of bottled water. This display helps to educate people about some of the facts and figures involved in bottled water consumption, including such statistics as the amount of fossil fuels consumed, the length of time it takes for plastic to biodegrade, and the real cost of the water. Find out answers to these questions by visiting the exhibit, Waterosity, before it ends on Oct. 4th, 2009.

"Aquatiscope!" a Collection of Sculptures Representing Enlarged Diatoms

Minneapolis sculptors Christopher Sutton and Sreekishen Nair created three artistic renditions of microscopic water-dwelling animals called diatoms.

For the materials, the artists used found and reclaimed items such as wire, canvas, wood, modeling compound, latex paint and sealants.

Christopher Sutton describes this collection of sculptures a “homage to the tiny watery microverse that forms an essential basis to the entire food chain.” In the recorded message by this artist, you can find out interesting facts about why we use diatoms in paints and cosmetics, and also just how diverse the Water Bear can be.

This chair is a whimsical representation of a Tardigrade, an animal that goes dormant when it dries out, only to be revived again with water.

Admission Information to See Waterosity

Parking is free with admission to the Arboretum, which is only $9/peron. The admission also includes access to all of the gardens, the Waterosity exhibit, 3-mile drive, and free walking tours. The Arboretum has a lot to offer!

Find out hours, address, entrance fees, and guided tour options and times at the Arboretum.