The Credit River, with its scenic landscapes, natural resources and rich heritage, has long inspired the visual history of our watershed and continues to do so today.
Notable artworks, some by Group of Seven artists including A.J. Casson and Arthur Lismer, depict the natural beauty of the Forks of the Credit and the countryside beyond.
Scenes of agricultural landscapes offer a glimpse into the watershed’s past and present. While agriculture remains vital in the watershed, some of the landscapes have transformed over time through growth and development.
Numerous lumber, saw, grist and flour mills that powered a growing economy are depicted in these works too. Many now inoperable mills still stand, such as the Alton Mill, taking on a new life within the community. The Alton Mills Art Centre is now an anecdote in the larger story of a changing landscape, but these heritage features still bring people together through art. This story continues today through local galleries and studios, and, of course, through artists like Emily Kewageshig and Marc Fornes, whose work shows how inspiration is all around us in the Credit River Watershed.
Art’s ability to evoke emotional connections between subject and viewer makes it a powerful tool for activism and education. On elementary school fences throughout Ontario, colourful painted fish swim through the Stream of Dreams, a project where students learn about water stewardship and make a commitment to protecting their local watershed. Similarly, art and conservation can blend in personal actions, whether it’s curating native plant gardens, photographing local wildlife, painting scenes at a conservation area, or another means of expression.
Conservation isn’t just about protecting and ensuring our environment thrives; it’s also about planning for the future and taking action for positive environmental change. While art may not be the first thing that comes to mind, it’s an important part of conservation. Informed by science, together we can shape how the Credit River Watershed will look, feel and inspire us in 200 years, and we can start in our own backyards. Connect with a stewardship coordinator to get started.
Main photo: Pine Sanctuary, a large-scale aluminum sculpture by Marc Fornes/THEVERYMANY at Riverwood Park in Mississauga.