I was fortunate to run a program that is very close to my heart - Our Fragile Neighbours community zine and workshop. It was not only about learning watercolor techniques, but also about endangered local species that demand our care. After attending At Risk Salamander exhibition back in 2024 lead by curator Christos Damianos, I am making all efforts possible to connect communities with importance of environmental activism. These workshops and zine were something I longed to do – to facilitate environment where participants lead the discussion by creating their own art and by sharing their stories and hopes.
Creating art together leads to self-expression of community members. They told stories of their walks, the species they spotted and how they are concerned about the future of the nature and humanity. They expressed the importance of coexistence with nature and importance of preserving it. They defined multiple ways to experience nature for their own wellbeing. How can we pause and notice all the wonders nature has to offer? How can we promote balance between humans and nature?
For this zine and workshops, I focused on endangered species of Ontario. I collected references of Jefferson Salamander, Spotted Turtle, American Bumblebee, Eastern Wolf and other. First workshop focused on endangered animals, amphibians and insects, and second workshop focused on endangered birds. Then I brought reference photos taken during my At Risk Salamander residency. I offered participants imagine where would be ideal environment for this specie to live. This shaped the participants ideas of how important is preserving endangered species habitat. The fact that Art Gallery of Burlington is in front of Lake Ontario contributed to conversations about lakeshore ecosystems and preserving waterways.
I brought my own art pieces made at the residency “Salamander in the pond”, “Curious Salamander”, “Salamander eggs” and shared the story of how they were created to ignite sense of wonder of participants. Since my main medium is watercolors I made a demonstration of watercolor techniques and compositions that incorporate animal into landscape scene. Then I offered each participant to choose their own creature and the habitat.
It was fascinating how community members engaged into conversation and contributed their creativity, their art and written stories to the shared community zine. After the workshop I scanned all the art pieces and matched them with written stories. The digital zine Our Fragile Neighbours was uploaded online and shared with all the participants and on my website. This project was grounded in collaboration of all the participants.
Now it is available for broader audiences to view and reflect on how can you raise awareness about the nature? How can you live more sustainable life since nature resources are not infinite? Zine appeals to broader audience with bright and colorful artworks by participants from kids to seniors accompanied with their unique stories.
It is difficult these days to take a break from our busy lives to connect with one another. But when this happens the most intimate stories can be shared and the possibilities of better lifestyles can be discussed. When community comes together to share their concerns – this shapes community minds. This makes art political. This changes the future.
You can read the zine here and experience art and stories from Our Fragile Neighbours and think of your own directions how can we protect endangered species and preserve their habitats. Mother earth nourishes us every day with food and shelter. It is crucial that we protect her.
Maryna Salagub, Goodfairyart
