A unique public art exhibit will be on display through March 10, 2019, showcasing more than 200 haikus that are part of the Guerilla Haiku Movement; Stories of the Watershed. A reception and open house will be held Today, Nov. 17, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Tulpehaking Nature Center.
Trenton-area residents wrote their own haikus at the nature center expressing their personal stories and impressions about the Delaware River. “Stories of the Watershed” has been a collaborative effort between the nature center and the Guerilla Haiku Movement, a nationally recognized public art project.
“This installation is an excellent way to display the community engagement from this initiative,” said Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes. “It teaches more than just the ecological importance of the river and can creatively challenge participants by expressing their thoughts into a few short words.”
The Guerilla Haiku Movement is a public art experience that has traveled to more than 40 cities across the country since April 2011, joining communities in spontaneous interaction and dialogue through the powerful use of haiku.
The event will coincide with the celebratory graduation event for the Mercer Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs (HOFNOD) program. Sponsored by the Mercer County Park Commission and New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, the program encourages school-age children to avoid tobacco, drug and alcohol usage by providing alternative activities while having fun. Youth participants in this first season of HOFNOD Mercer have learned fish anatomy; how to cast, bait a hook and cook their fish; and other life skills.
“We will be celebrating their accomplishments and their special contribution to our ‘Stories of the Watershed’ exhibit,” said Aaron T. Watson, Park Commission Executive Director.
Free refreshments, desserts and hot apple cider will be served. A special presentation for HOFNOD Mercer will begin at 11 a.m. followed by a group activity where visitors will have the opportunity to add their own stories to the exhibit.
The Tulpehaking Nature Center provides programs and exhibits that encourage visitors to explore the cultural, historic and natural resources of the Abbott Marshlands. Owned by the County of Mercer and operated by the Mercer County Park Commission, the Tulpehaking Nature Center is located at 157 Westcott Ave. in Hamilton and is open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. For more information about the nature center, programs and schedule of events, go to www.mercercountyparks.org.
