1000 Fish Project

The Deepwater Horizon tragedy in the Gulf of Mexico began on April 20, 2010 when  an oil rig exploded leaving 11 people dead, and 7 people badly injured. The millions of gallons of oil spewing into the gulf along with the chemicals used to break up the oil has caused an environmental disaster that will never truly be cleaned up. It's been over twenty years and they are still finding oil in Alaska's Prince William Sound and it didn't penetrate any marshland up there. Marshes are the nurseries for many of the fish and other creatures and with the oil coating so much of the area the death of the wetlands will impact the Gulf coast forever.

On July 15 while teaching my class at the Silvermine School of Art in New Canaan, CT how to make origami fish, it being Under the Sea week at art camp, someone brought up the 1000 Cranes that are folded to make wishes come true. Well, we made close to 500 fish in two days and with that, the leak in the well was plugged and it has remained plugged until they were finally able to cement it closed forever.

So we have taken this as a sign that perhaps a few dozen kids CAN make a difference and we are asking for your help to finish up the other half. We are working not only to finish making the 1000 fish, but have found at least one venue to display them in Louisiana to tell the people there that WE do stand behind them and ALL that they have gone through in the past few years. So, if you can follow the step-by-step instructions and make a few, they would truly be appreciated. I can barely fold a piece of paper in half, but have managed to make quite a few fish so far.

You can use regular copy paper and perhaps write a brief note giving the people your support or just signing your name. Magazines also make interesting fish if there are some colorful pictures on both sides. Or even an old drawing. Anything will do.

Email me wth any problems, or if you want me to put together a workshop for students. If you get stuck just stick the fish in an envelope and I will finish it up. C Goldbach, 65 Arcadia Ave, Stratford, CT 06614-3504

I'll let you know how it's going and also invite you to help string if you can.

 

Many Thanks!

Chris