Dark Skies
Dark Skies Art Workshop
Join us for a night of creativity under the stars and create your own glow-in-the-dark garden stepping stone! Come learn about the importance of Dark Skies for migratory animals (especially songbirds), human and environmental health.
This two hour event began with a lecture on Dark Skies led by Madelyn Kaplin a Biological Technician at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. Local public artist Jenn Houle then discussed her new glow-in-the-dark ground mural at Parker River’s Visitor Center and guided participants in a hands-on painting workshop. Participants left with a 12”x12” glow-in-the-dark garden stepping stone and easy action steps to help address light pollution. The event was held on September 12, 2024.
This project is a collaborative effort between local artist Jenn Houle, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge (PRNWR) and The Great Marsh Artists Program overseen by the Artists for the Great Marsh and the Manship Artists Residency. Special thanks to the support of Visitor Service Manager Ella Weber and Park Biologist Nancy Pau for their invitation to apply to the Great Marsh Artists Program with a collaborative project at Parker River. Funded by Parker River National Wildlife Refuge and the Kathleen Van Demark Fund for the Great Marsh overseen by the Manship Artists Residency with support from the Peter and Kathleen Van Demark Fund, a Donor-Advised Fund at the Essex County Community Foundation.
Photo credit Peter Van Demark. Peter founded the Great Marsh Artists Program in loving memory of his late wife Kate. He kindly attended the Dark Skies workshop and photographed the event. Learn more about his program.