From prolonged drought to flash floods, what are the particularities and paradoxes surrounding water in the American Southwest? Who has rights to water? How is water shared among people, plants and other animals? How do we reconcile diverse cultural and spiritual views of water? Parched: The Art of Water in the Southwest explores the complexity of water in the face of climate change and increasing populations. Nine Arizona-based artists created works, informed by scientific and cultural inquiry, that reflect diverse perspectives and provocative insight into our intricate relationship with water in our natural, cultural, and political landscapes. Following the unique model of Coconino Center for the Arts’ past art and science collaborations, this signature project immersed selected artists and water experts in a weeklong intensive to learn about water in the Southwest. Tracing water from the snow packed peaks of Northern Arizona to the drainages of the Central Arizona Project, through free-flowing rivers to waste water treatment plants, artists explored water in its many forms and functions toward an exhibition of ambitious and insightful works.

Parched will open for limited in person viewing starting Friday, September 11, 2020, and is scheduled to remain open through mid January, 2021. Admission is free, registration is required.

This is an in-person event. Please contact Sarah Smallwood, ssmallwood@flagartscouncil.org for more information.