Of the four classical elements identified by ancient philosophers, water may be the one most taken for granted, and the most abused by people.
As global inventories diminish and climate change threatens future supplies, the concept of water as a human right is receiving increasing attention.
The New Jersey Council for the Humanities has awarded grant funds to Ocean County Library in support of a three-part series, “The Beauty of Water.”
“The Beauty of Water” examines the relationship between human culture and the environment as an issue of social justice.
The programs will be held in October at the Toms River branch, 101 Washington St.
Donna Gustafson, curator at Rutgers University’s Jane Voorhees Zimmerli Art Museum in New Brunswick, will inspire people to look at water in new ways: as an element in nature, poetry, and literature Tuesday Oct. 4 at 7 p.m.
Gustafson organized the exhibit “Water” that was displayed at the museum Sept. 1, 2010 until Jan. 2, 2011. The exhibit included prints by Paul Gauguin, photographs by Edward Steichen and Sally Gall, and paintings by John J. Kensett and Albert Bierstadt. Contemporary artists such as Maya Lin and Bill Viola were also represented.
Rich Bizub, director for the Pinelands Preservation Alliance’s water programs, will present “From Barrens to Beaches” Tuesday Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. The distinct nature of Pine Barrens water sustains plant, animal and human communities in our region. Bizub will focus on ensuring just access to water of the Pine Barrens and the Barnegat Bay Watershed for drinking, fishing, recreation and cultural use.
Author Charles Fishman will present “The Big Thirst” Thursday Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. Fishman will discuss the history of water and its distribution throughout history and the importance of understanding and managing water as a human right.
The programs are free and open to the public. For more information contact the library website www.theoceancountylibrary.org or telephone the operator at (732) 349-6200 or (609) 971-0514.
“The Beauty of Water” is made possible by a grant from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, a state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations in this program do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities or the New Jersey Council for the Humanities.
Please be aware that some programs may have waiting lists or may be at capacity at the time of your call.
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