Artists and NSRWA Reveal the True Nature of Our Waters
From the scenic banks of the North and South Rivers, the view often suggests a landscape of untouched tranquility. Yet, hidden beneath the shimmering surface lies a complex story of environmental struggle and resilience. This exhibit serves as a visual bridge between the beauty we see and the invisible stressors—dams, water quality, and quantity—that define the health of our South Shore waterways.
Through diverse artistic perspectives, we explore the legacy of historic mill dams that fragment our rivers. We confront the “people problems” of water quantity, where increasing human demand and impervious surfaces like pavement prevent rain from soaking into the ground and replenishing the aquifers that feed our faucets and our streams.
These artworks also shed light on the unseen threats to water quality. From nitrogen-heavy fertilizers to bacterial spikes after rain, silent runoff can close shellfish beds for months and fuel harmful algal blooms. Overlaying these local challenges is the accelerating pressure of climate change, which intensifies the cycle with more extreme flooding and prolonged seasonal heat. In partnership with the NSRWA, these artists invite you to look closer, past the reflection, and discover the true nature of the waters we depend on—and the collective action required to restore them.
Art Exhibit
Beneath the Surface: Artists and NSRWA Reveal the True Nature of Our Waters
October 11-November 13, 2026
Duxbury Art Complex Museum – 189 Alden St, Duxbury MA
Opening Reception
Beneath the Surface Opening Reception
Thursday, October 22, 5:00-8:00pm
Duxbury Art Complex Museum – 189 Alden St, Duxbury MA
Celebrate the opening of Beneath the Surface, where artists and scientists explore the North and South River watershed. Free reception.
Join us for the opening reception of Beneath the Surface, where artists and scientists come together to explore the North and South River watershed. This collaborative exhibition invites visitors to look closely at the ecosystems that shape our local landscape — and the life that exists just below the surface of our region’s rivers.
Experience an evening of conversation and discovery as we welcome the exhibiting artists and scientists whose work brings this shared exploration to life. Light refreshments will be served, and guests will have the chance to meet the creative and scientific minds behind the exhibition, hear about their process, and see firsthand how art and science intersect in service of understanding—and celebrating—our watershed.
Panel Discussion with NSRWA Scientists and Artists
Thursday, November 12, 5:30-7:00 pm
Duxbury Art Complex Museum – 189 Alden St, Duxbury MA
Join us for a panel discussion with NSRWA staff who work on watershed restoration projects and the artists who participated in the Beneath the Surface project.
Community Banner Project (drop-in program)
Voices of the Watershed: A Community Banner Project – Help create a community banner celebrating our watershed!
- Sunday, October 4, 1:00-3:00 pm
- Wednesday, October 7, 3:00-5:00 pm
- Wednesday, October 14, 3:00-5:00 pm