A hands-on art event called “Sun Print Art in the Park” connected creativity with environmental awareness. The event, held at Shirley Chisholm State Park, was one of over 40 free events around Jamaica Bay on Saturday, July 25th – City of Water Day.
Artist, architect and educator Camila Morales facilitated the event, and participants created cyanotype prints using pieces of trash and natural materials collected during a cleanup along Jamaica Bay.
The activity encouraged visitors to look closely at the objects found along the shoreline and consider how waste affects the local ecosystem. Cyanotype is a type of photography that uses a light-sensitive solution on fabric or paper. Participants placed litter, leaves and other items on the prepared surface and exposed it to sunlight. The objects blocked the sunlight, leaving white shapes, while the rest turned deep blue after being rinsed with water.
Each print was different, showing both the beauty of nature and the problem of pollution in Jamaica Bay. Visitors took part in the whole creative process, from choosing and arranging materials to watching the image appear.
The project offered children and adults a memorable opportunity to learn about conservation while creating meaningful art. Participants were encouraged to consider sustainability, coastal protection and the importance of keeping Jamaica Bay clean.
The Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy hosted over 40 events on City of Water Day.
